New York bakery staff push for union, claiming they were forced to bake for Israeli fundraisers

Bakery Staff Unite Against "Underpayment" and "Disrespect" Amid Allegations of Forced Israeli Fundraiser Support

Workers at Breads Bakery, a popular New York City chain, have announced plans to unionize, citing underpayment, undervaluation, and disrespect from management. The employees, who claim they are being forced to support pro-Israeli fundraisers without their consent, say the company's business practices are "divisive" and "intimidating".

According to the workers, the bakery chain has ties to Israel and uses its profits to fund the occupation of Gaza. Employees have reported being asked to create products for Israeli organization fundraisers, with no option to decline. The union, Breaking Breads, claims that over 30% of the company's 275 employees across New York City have signed authorization cards, seeking to join the United Auto Workers Local 2179.

The workers' demands include equitable pay, respect, and safety on the job, as well as improvements to working conditions such as equipment replacement and proper uniforms for outdoor work. They also want guaranteed hours, a free meal each shift, and at least three days' notice of each shift schedule.

However, management has expressed concern over the introduction of "divisive political issues" into the workplace, claiming that employees should not be told how to behave or what to believe in. The bakery's spokesperson described the situation as "troubling" and stated that the company values diversity and promotes a workplace where people from all backgrounds can come together.

The union says the real issue is not politics, but workers' rights. "We're not telling anyone how they should behave, what they should believe in, or where they should donate their money," said one worker, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation. "But imagine being asked to make a bread item that supports a country responsible for genocide... we just want the decision about whether or not to make it."

As the unionization efforts progress, employees are facing pushback from management, which has hired union avoidance consultants to deter support for the union. The workers' message is clear: they want fair treatment, respect, and a safe working environment – without being forced to compromise their values.

I'm thinking... it's kinda crazy that these bakery staff are feeling so overworked and undervalued in the first place. They're not even making a living wage , and on top of that, they're being made to support something that goes against their own values? That's just unfair . It's time for them to stand up for themselves and demand some respect .

But at the same time, I can understand why management is worried about "divisive" politics in the workplace. You don't want your employees to be uncomfortable or stressed out on the job . And I'm sure the workers' concerns aren't just about the fundraiser thing... they're also about feeling safe and respected at work .

I think what's most interesting is that this unionization effort isn't just about politics; it's about basic human rights . These workers want to be treated fairly, have good working conditions, and not be forced into anything that makes them uncomfortable . I'm all for that!

I'm getting really frustrated with this bakery situation . It's not right that employees are being asked to support pro-Israeli fundraisers without their consent. I mean, what if the workers don't agree with those politics? Should they be forced to make bread or sell it just because of where the company is from?

And now management is saying it's "divisive" for workers to want better pay and working conditions, but isn't it kinda divisive when the boss says you have to support something that goes against your own values? It seems like a case of corporate trying to silence workers who just want respect and fairness.

I don't think it's too much to ask for a workplace where everyone can come together without being forced into certain politics. And yeah, workers should get guaranteed hours, a free meal, and safety on the job. That's basic human stuff .

omg can u believe these bakers r gettin paid peanuts while having 2 make pro-israeli stuff? like, what even is the point of baking if it's all about fundin' an occupation? anywayz i got a breadwinner (get it?) question: who's gonna foot the bill 4 them fancy new equipment and uniforms? sounds like management's tryna butter u up w/ some sweet promises meanwhile, the bakers r just tryna knead a living wage

I'm getting vibes of the 2005 worker's strike at Gap Inc., you know when all those employees came together demanding better wages and benefits? It's like, same energy with these Breads Bakery workers, just wanting fair pay and respect on the job. I mean, who doesn't want to work in a safe environment where they're not being asked to support something that goes against their values? Like, what would you do if someone came up to you at Starbucks asking you to create a pastry with, like, Israeli flag designs or something? You'd be all "Uh, no thanks" right? I'm on the side of these workers, they deserve better.

OMG u guys can't even believe what's goin on at Breads Bakery rn they're tryna make the employees support Israel 4 free like wut r they even think? forcin ppl 2 donate 2 a cause they dont wanna b associated wit is straight up wrong these workers deserve better & it's time 4 them 2 stand up 4 their rights u gotta feel 4 the girls who signed those auth cards 2 join the union

I'm really surprised by this news . A bakery in NYC where you just wanna make some good bread can't even do that without being forced into supporting Israel's occupation of Gaza? It's like, I get it, the company has ties and they wanna keep those profits flowing... but forcing employees to support something that many people see as morally wrong? That's a big no-go . And management is all worried about "divisive political issues" being introduced into the workplace? Boo-hoo, can't handle a little dissenting opinion. It's workers' rights for sure, not politics. Just get it together and treat your employees with respect & fairness.

I gotta say, this bakery situation sounds super messed up . Like, yeah okay, workers wanna be paid fair and treated with respect, but not at the expense of their own values, you feel? It's one thing to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity, but another thing entirely when it comes down to being forced to support stuff that goes against your own morals. 30% of employees signing up for unionization is no joke ... something needs to change here

I'm so not surprised when I hear about this bakery staff fightin' back against unfair treatment. It's like, what's next? Gonna make 'em bake for the Joker or somethin' ? But seriously, it's messed up that these workers are bein' forced to support pro-Israeli fundraisers without their consent. I mean, who gets to decide how our money is spent, right? It's not about politics; it's about basic human rights and respect.

And can we talk about the unionization efforts for a sec? These workers are standin' up for themselves, and that's something we should all be proud of. Breaking Breads, yeah, that's a dope name btw ️. It's time for these bakery staff to get some fair pay, respect, and safe working conditions. They're not askin' for the moon here; they just wanna be treated like human beings.

The whole "divisive political issues" thing from management is just code for "we don't wanna deal with our workers havin' opinions." Newsflash: it's 2025, and we're livin' in a world where everyone has the right to express themselves. These bakery staff are standin' up for what they believe in, and that's somethin' we should all be supportin'. Let's give 'em the solidarity they deserve .

I gotta disagree with these bakery staff . They're overreacting big time! I mean, if they don't wanna support pro-Israeli fundraisers, that's on them not the company. And btw, what's with all this fuss about "underpayment" and "disrespect"? It sounds like a bunch of entitled employees who think they deserve more just because .

And let's be real, if 30% of the employees are really unionizing, that's still a tiny minority . The other 70% probably don't even care about this stuff. And what's the real issue here? It's not about workers' rights or diversity in the workplace... it's about people being whiny and complaining about everything .

And management is right to be concerned about "divisive political issues" – we shouldn't have politics in the workplace . If you want to support pro-Israeli fundraisers, do it outside of work, not at the bakery. And if you don't wanna support them, that's okay too . It's all about personal freedom and choice.

I think the union is just trying to stir up drama and create a scene . Let these employees focus on doing their job and making some good bread instead of being all worked up over politics .

this is so messed up what's wrong with wanting a free meal every shift and proper equipment lol like we need more proof that management is the real issue here meanwhile i'm just over here thinking about all the amazing baked goods breads bakery makes & how we deserve better lets support breaking breads union