Seven Stars Bakery Employees Ratify Contract
After thirteen negotiation sessions since September, employees secure another contract that raises wages and offers new and improved benefits for Seven Stars Bakery café employees
Providence, RI – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local Union 328, which represents over 9,000 workers in a variety of industries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, would like to officially announce that the hardworking employees at all Rhode Island Credit Union locations voted unanimously to approve a new contract. The agreement comes after thirteen sessions of bargaining with the company.
The agreement contains major victories that addressed issues many employees were having including:
- Immediate wage increases for all employees between $1.00-$1.48/hr based on years of length of service
- Guaranteed raises through the life of the contract, ensuring workers stay above minimum wage
- Additional bereavement leave
- Shortened the duration of the New Hire Training Rate
- Language allowing for employees to take leave of absences to assist the union in official capacities
Seven Stars Bakery employees at all 7 cafés, represented by UFCW 328 and a committee of employees, sat down with their employer to engage in collective bargaining, with the ultimate goal of addressing starting wages as well as lifting current employees above minimum wage.
Stephanie Walker, a long-time employee and Shop Steward, said after the vote, “I am so proud of my fellow negotiators for keeping the positive momentum going all these months. Tim, Sam, Chris, and Mike have worked so hard for us and it’s awesome being a part of UFCW 328! Thank you to my staff and all of the staff who have participated in actions whether you’re new or a senior employee. Thank you to our customers who have supported us throughout this journey. The community sticking by us means so much!”
Jesennia Zamora, another long-time employee and Shop Steward, said after the vote, “I would like to thank the community for all their support during our contract campaign. This contract represents a big win for us and the workers who will come after us. I do this work not only because I love my job and coworkers, but because I believe working people in Rhode Island deserve better. I hope our successes at Seven Stars can serve as an example across our community; when we stand together and fight we win.”Andrew Wojcicki, another long-time employee and Shop Steward, said after the vote, “We’d like to thank everyone in our communities across Rhode Island for their unwavering support! With your help and show of solidarity, cafe workers were able to secure a new contract that makes necessary and meaningful progress towards a living wage for all workers.”
