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.
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 
.
. And I'm sure the workers' concerns aren't just about the fundraiser thing... they're also about feeling safe and respected at work 
.
. 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! 
. 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? 
.
meanwhile, the bakers r just tryna knead a living wage 
You'd be all "Uh, no thanks" right? I'm on the side of these workers, they deserve better.
these workers deserve better & it's time 4 them 2 stand up 4 their rights 
. 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.
... something needs to change here 
? 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? 
. 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 
. 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.
. Let these employees focus on doing their job and making some good bread instead of being all worked up over politics 
meanwhile i'm just over here thinking about all the amazing baked goods breads bakery makes & how we deserve better