The popular Trader Joe’s wine shop in Union Square, which outraged New Yorkers when it abruptly closed in 2022, may reopen in response to union-busting charges against the grocer.
The complaint filed by the National Labor Relations Board alleges that Trader Joe’s closed its stores to prevent employees from forming a union.
Prosecutors also said the grocery store, which reportedly sells nearly twice as much product per square foot as its competitors, fired union supporters and used tactics to quash union activity among employees. He was accused of spreading false information. HuffPost.
The NLRB said in its Jan. 12 complaint that to remedy the situation, Trader Joe’s must reopen the wine shop and reimburse employees for lost wages.
But Trader Joe’s lawyers argued in a hearing earlier this month that the labor board itself was “unconstitutional,” according to court records obtained by HuffPost.
The store’s attorney, Christopher Murphy of Morgan Lewis, told the judge that Trader Joe’s is currently mounting an “affirmative defense” and could make a full argument later.
Murphy has not yet defended himself in court, but his tactics appear to be similar to those of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which also recently argued in federal court that the NLRB is a constitutional It said it violated separation and due process rights. , called the commission “the very definition of tyranny,” HuffPost reported.
Like SpaceX, Trader Joe’s is represented by an attorney represented by Morgan Lewis, the outlet said. Morgan Lewis is a law firm known for assisting employers and unions in their fights.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents 1.3 million grocery store workers nationwide, supports the NLRB’s charges against Trader Joe’s, adding: press release associated with unfair labor practices suspicion He claimed that the store was illegally closed in order to crush the labor union.
“Trader Joe’s also illegally surveyed its store employees and discouraged its employees from supporting the union, telling them that supporting the union was futile,” the statement added.
When this affordable store closes on August 11, 2022, a note on its door reads: “It’s time to explore another location that can maximize the potential of our only wine distribution license.” A notice was written. new york. “
Loyal customer who read the letter told More Perfect Union At the time, it sounded like they must have closed to open another store in an upscale neighborhood.
another user on social media asked a question: “Trader Joe’s Wine Shop is closed, so where are you going?”
“For a place that specializes in fair trade products and advertises itself as progressive and ethical, this behavior doesn’t live up to the hype.” another There was a chime.
But the wine shop, located right next to the Trader Joe’s grocery store at 142 East 14th Street, closed for the first time in 15 years, just days before employees were planning to call a union election. It has been reported.
The workers wanted to organize with the UFCW, demanding higher pay and better sick pay.
Maura McHugh, an employee at Trader Joe’s Wine Shop, said in the UFCW’s unionization promotional video. Website “Wages are not competitive. Many crew members have to work full time and another part time to make a living. That happens a lot at Trader Joe’s.”
Representatives for the UFCW and NLRB did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.
The Post also reached out to Trader Joe’s for comment.
