GreenStar Workers United Inks Contract

Winning wages sharply higher than other grocery workers receive in Ithaca, GreenStar Workers United signed their first collective bargaining agreement with the Co-op July 15.

The entry-level wage is now $19.25/hour. Compare this to the $15.50-$16.50 paid at Wegmans and Tops.

The 150 workers at all three stores will benefit also from a disciplinary procedure mandating no discipline or termination without just cause. Consistent rules and a multiple step progressive process including written notification, written warning, and final written warnings are required before any suspension or discharge, with union reps participating at each step of the process. This is a major achievement for the Union.

Annual wage increases, paid time off and holidays, and matching 401K contributions are other highlights of the 18-page agreement.

The workers unionized last year, joining workers at Gimme! and the Sciencenter who are also represented by Workers United (as are Starbucks and many others around NYS).