July 15, 2025 – Members of GreenStar Workers United, representing over 140 workers at GreenStar Food Co-op voted 90% in favor of a three-year collective bargaining agreement. This marks a great success for Workers and the Co-op, establishing a bright foundation for our future partnership.
“This agreement with GreenStar Workers United means the Co-op can better live its values, offer stronger compensation, and that workers have representation and more avenues for participation. GreenStar continues to demonstrate what a community owned food cooperative can achieve.” said Jeff Bessmer, General Manager of GreenStar Food Co-op.
Union Member Alicia Richard said “This contract is a win not just for our stores, members and community but for working people everywhere who often struggle to have their voices heard in their workplaces. At GreenStar we work hard every day to ensure that our entire community feels welcomed and is nourished by healthy food and friendly encounters. Throughout the bargaining process, ensuring that those who work so hard to keep GreenStar successful for our community was always in the front of our minds. I hope that our success here as a union will inspire other workers to come together and make every organization a better place to work and thrive. I’m looking forward to the work ahead after we sign our first contract today, as we continue to build a better GreenStar together.”
“I am inspired by our successful vote, and I believe that we have the makings of a truly effective union” said Union Member Ben Harned. “My dad taught me a great deal about labor and the importance of seeking economic justice, I know he would be thrilled to see what we’ve built. That said, this is only the end of the beginning – we have a lot of work ahead, and we are going to keep pushing forward as a community.”
The agreement includes, among other improvements:
- An increase in entry wage from $17.63 to $19.25
- Greater protections for workers
- Improved time off benefits
- An employer match to the 401k program
- Annual raises
We have profound gratitude to everyone who participated in contract negotiations to make this possible and are thankful to all the community members who have supported Workers and the Co-op throughout this process. We look forward to a prosperous partnership.
