Key Highlights:

• Workers at the Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia voted 130-100 to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW).
• This marks the first successful unionization at an Amazon-owned grocery store since Amazon acquired Whole Foods.
• Employees aim to negotiate for better wages and working conditions as part of their victory.
• The union vote follows accusations of anti-union tactics employed by Whole Foods and Amazon.
• The NLRB has mandated that Whole Foods begin negotiations with the new union.

In a historic move, workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia have voted to form the first union at the Amazon-owned grocery chain, a decision announced on January 27, 2025. With a tally of 130 votes in favor and 100 against, the vote represents a significant victory for employees hoping to negotiate better wages and working conditions under the representation of the United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW), which collectively represents over 835,000 grocery workers across North America.

The workers began organizing efforts last year, presenting their desire for union representation to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in November. This vote comes as part of an ongoing trend of labor organization efforts within Amazon's operations, including successful unionization at a Staten Island warehouse. “This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young IV, president of UFCW Local 1776
during a press conference following the results. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities,” he added, indicating the intention to pursue improved wages, healthcare, and work-life balance for employees.

The backdrop to this vote includes allegations that Whole Foods and Amazon engaged in anti-union tactics, such as employee intimidation and monitoring during the organization process. Reports state that employees felt pressure from management to withdraw support for the union, with some claiming that pro-union workers faced retaliation. As Marc Perrone, president of the UFCW International Union, pointed out, “This win sends a powerful message to workers everywhere that when we stand together, we can take on even the largest corporations and win,” showcasing the strengthened public support for unionization efforts nationally.

In a statement after the election, Whole Foods expressed disappointment but maintained its commitment to providing what it describes as competitive wages and benefits, emphasizing its aim to create a positive working environment. Nonetheless, reports have indicated that local employees are advocating for higher pay rates, increased healthcare accessibility, and more favorable working conditions, echoing a broader labor movement challenging corporate policies.

The Philadelphia Whole Foods incident reflects a growing movement, as public approval for unionization has surged to approximately 70%, according to recent polls. This vote represents a pivotal moment not only for Whole Foods but potentially for Amazon's labor relations landscape moving forward, as employees and unions continue to press for recognition and better conditions across various sectors. Following the election, workers remain hopeful that their unionization effort will inspire similar movements across the grocery chain and Amazon's other operations.

For additional details on this evolving story, view the full articles from NYTimes, CBS News, AP News, and Business Insider.