Union Formed by Pro-Palestinian Pastry Chefs at Major New York Bakery

Workers at one of New York’s largest Jewish bakery chains are forming a union, expressing concerns over conditions under their Israeli-born employer. A central demand? To end the company’s backing for Israel.

The newly established Break the Bread Alliance aligns itself with the Palestinian cause, drawing an unusual parallel between their workplace struggles at Bread Bakery and the broader conflict in the Middle East.

In a social media announcement, the union stated, “We believe that the fight for fair wages, respect, and safety is linked to the fight against genocidal and exploitative forces around the world.”

Allegations of workplace misconduct have prompted around 30% of the approximately 275 staff members across the bakery’s six locations to join the alliance, claiming mistreatment by CEO Yonatan Froman and founder Gadi Peleg.

Bread Bakery has refuted these claims, emphasizing that it fosters a caring and apolitical atmosphere. “We celebrate peace and embrace people of all cultures and beliefs,” a representative stated.

The group is pushing for “redistribution of profits, safer working conditions, greater respect, and an end to the company’s support for the genocide taking place in Palestine.”

This isn’t the first instance of the bakery’s ties to Israel becoming a topic of concern. Since the onset of the Hamas conflict in 2023, Bread Bakery has organized several fundraising events for Israel, including a project to donate profits from a special challah to emergency services there.

Moreover, the bakery participates in the annual Great Nosh event, which, while not directly labeled a fundraiser, supports organizations that contribute significantly to the Israel Defense Forces.

However, the issues extend beyond political support. The union alleges systemic problems, claiming staff have been underpaid, disrespected, and discriminated against. Reports suggest that workers have suffered injuries daily and were compelled to work during their time off, leading to exhaustion even in the bathroom.

The Break the Bread Union stated, “We need to make a fundamental cultural change here, and we need to hold those at the top accountable.”

It’s a situation that not only touches on workplace rights but also reflects larger issues of social justice and solidarity with global oppressed communities.

Representatives for the new union have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding these claims.