FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2023

United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 Union, in collaboration with a coalition of 20 supporting organizations, will be holding a press conference on Thursday to announce a consumer boycott of Union Kitchen stores.

Organizers are launching the boycott in response to Union Kitchen management's ongoing and unlawful efforts to undermine the workers' union. These efforts include the wrongful termination of employees engaged in union activities, a violation of federal law.

“We didn’t make this decision lightly. We have tried meeting with management on multiple occasions, we’ve filed charges against Union Kitchen through the Labor Board, and we’ve even filed a lawsuit against the company,” said Eric Rosenthal, who works at the 8th Street Union Kitchen location. “Simply put, we have exhausted all proper channels and management still refuses to fairly negotiate a contract. That is why we have taken the extraordinary step of calling for a consumer boycott of Union Kitchen.”

Despite official unionization, Union Kitchen management continues to undermine the union, leading to multiple allegations being filed with the National Labor Relations Board. A coalition of organizations, including the Washington Metropolitan Labor Council, AFL-CIO, has expressed their intent to boycott Union Kitchen and have pledged their support in mobilizing volunteers for peaceful protests at all Union Kitchen locations.

We believe that this press conference will shed light on the unjust treatment faced by the workers and the need for fair negotiations. We kindly request your attendance at the press conference and your support in spreading the word about this issue. .

You can find the full press release HERE.