愛污传媒

Skip to main content

Ben & Jerry's supports Vermont workers' unionization drive

The front of the Ben Jerry's ice cream shop in Burlington, Vt., on Monday April 17, 2023. About 40 workers at the shop near where the company was founded announced Monday they were seeking to form a union. (Wilson Ring/AP Photo)
The front of the Ben Jerry's ice cream shop in Burlington, Vt., on Monday April 17, 2023. About 40 workers at the shop near where the company was founded announced Monday they were seeking to form a union. (Wilson Ring/AP Photo)
Share
BURLINGTON, Vermont -

Vermont ice cream maker Ben & Jerry鈥檚 said Tuesday it supports a plan to unionize by the workers at a retail shop in the same city where the brand, known as much for its social activism as its products, was founded.

Ben & Jerry's said, in a statement, it shares 鈥渢he goal of advancing justice, both inside and outside our company.鈥 The ice cream manufacturer was founded in a former gas station a short distance from its retail shop in downtown Burlington.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we recognize and support the rights of all workers to unionize and collectively bargain,鈥 the company said. "Ben & Jerry鈥檚 is committed to the goal of operating our company in a way that is fair, inclusive, and equitable, while being a dynamic and fun place for all workers."

About 40 employees at the Burlington shop said Monday they had formed an organizing committee and petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election. They said they have the support of the upstate New York & Vermont chapter of Workers United , the union that started the Starbucks unionization campaign in Buffalo, New York.

鈥淚 think the statement is a great sign,鈥 Workers United organizing director Jaz Brisack, who covers upstate New York and Vermont, said Tuesday after seeing Ben & Jerry's statement.

Brisack said they were hopeful Ben & Jerry's would partner with the workers in forming the union.

The so-called scoopers submitted the petition needed to hold a union election to the National Labor Relations Board on Monday. Brisack didn't know how soon an election could be held, but they hoped it would be soon.

Founded in 1978, but currently owned by consumer goods conglomerate Unilever, Ben & Jerry鈥檚 has not shied away from social causes. While many businesses tread lightly in politics for fear of alienating customers, the ice cream maker, which sells its products across the world, has taken the opposite approach, often espousing progressive causes.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.

A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.

Local Spotlight

Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.

From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.

A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.

The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.

A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north

What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.

New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.

Stay Connected