Hundreds of NYC Greenmarket, Food Distribution, Composting, and Nutrition & Farming Education Workers at GrowNYC Locations Win Union Recognition, Bringing First Union to the Industry in NYC

On Tuesday, workers at GrowNYC announced their employer will recognize the workers’ union formed with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). On Monday, April 25, 2023, a delegation of workers representing nearly two-hundred employees at around 70 GrowNYC Greenmarkets, farm stands, and CSA pick-up locations, and who work across GrowNYC’s operations in hundreds of schools in their distribution hubs and in nutrition education and composting demanded voluntary recognition of their union from the large-scale non-profit.

The win comes amid a flurry of election filings and wins by workers with the RWDSU this month around the country including Barnes & Noble and REI stores. Workers at GrowNYC will begin bargaining their first contract swiftly as a result. Companies at any time can voluntarily recognize a worker union, doing so expedites the process of union representation and the pathway to a union contract.

“I am thrilled with GrowNYC's decision. I am happy they are still interested in keeping a good relationship with us as workers by voluntarily recognizing our union. Regardless, we will continue to advocate for our rights which will advance GrowNYC's mission as a whole,” said Erik Menjivar (He/Him), GrowNYC Greenmarket Manager and Compost Coordinator. Read more here.