Posts tagged grocery stores

    Op-ed / Commentary ● Labor Unionization Unions

    Commentary: Back to the Dark Ages? Unions Push Bills to Slow Workplace Technology

    March 10, 2026 // In practice, introducing AI in unionized workplaces could require union approval. The bill also requires companies to hire a state-approved auditor to test AI systems for bias before deployment. If disparate impact is found, the system cannot be used until the Labor Commissioner signs off on corrective measures. Businesses would effectively need a government permission slip to deploy their own software. The legislation goes even further by limiting how state agencies may use artificial intelligence, requiring legislative authorization before purchasing or deploying many AI systems. Rather than encouraging innovation, the default posture treats AI as suspect unless expressly approved. At the same time, Senate Bill 438 would regulate self-checkout machines in grocery stores.

    AI AI protections automation collective bargaining agreement Connecticut Connecticut General Assembly grocery stores self-checkout machines Senate Bill 435 Senate Bill 438 technology unions

    News Article ● Strike Unions

    Cub Foods employees threaten strike after rejecting union contract

    May 15, 2025 // UNFI/Cub Foods is the largest grocery store owner in Minneapolis with 33 stores and about 3,000 employees, according to Local UFCW 663. In a press release Tuesday, the union shared that workers at Haug's and Knowlan's Festival also voted to reject the latest contract offers from employers.

    Cub Foods grocery stores Local UFCW 663 Minnesota Strike Twin Cities walkout

    News Article Research ● Labor Unionization Worker Centers

    What a Surge in Union Organizing Means for Food and Farm Workers

    March 25, 2022 // By organizing with the Warehouse Workers for Justice, many were able to get their jobs back and have their demands met. “What’s really interesting is that there’s a huge movement right now for worker centers and unions to work together ... to essentially surround the industry,” Oliva said. “So if an employer busts the union, the worker center emerges. If the worker center is unable to organize the workers, the union organizes them.”

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    News Article ● Unionization

    Starbucks union push spreads to 54 stores in 19 states

    January 31, 2022 // At Starbucks, the pro-union workers have advocated for better staffing, training and pay, seeking a direct line to company management. Buffalo workers have joined Workers United, affiliated with the massive Service Employees International Union.

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    News Article ● Unionization

    Colorado front and center in new era of labor fights post-pandemic

    January 24, 2022 // The labor fight that recently hit Colorado grocery stores may soon extend to local coffee shops, classrooms and city hall.

    Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bargaining power barista Bernie Sanders city hall City Market stores coffee shop Colorado Denver grocery stores hospitals House GOP leader Chris Holbert Jared Polis Len Harris local government National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation public hospitals schools SEIU Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg.