Vermont Business Magazine Labor union Scoopers United and Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington Vermont Scoop Shop have reached a historic first contract together.
In a statement, the union said that: "This joint celebration is a testament to the leadership and collaboration required of both parties to create such a monumental first contract. It also speaks to the ease that follows working with a company that prioritizes workers' rights and their desires to unionize.
"While anti-union corporations such as Starbucks "state" we will bargain in good faith, which is the legal minimum that the law requires, they know that labor laws are weak and such statements about "good faith bargaining" are hollow at best.
"Ben and Jerry's did more than bargain in good faith. They showed up to sessions, listened to their workers – acting on their concerns– and reached an agreement that was unanimously celebrated and ratified.
"This is an exceptionally big deal, and we hope the company's decisions throughout this process will inspire other companies to show their employees the same respect and serve as a new standard within the industry.
"The Scoopers look forward to continuing to scoop ice cream for the community and operating within the broader Ben & Jerry’s company as equals. We want to thank every coworker involved in helping write this contract, bargain each proposal, and keep the shop running through it all.
"We do this with each other and for each other: first shop, first union, first contract – for peace, love, and ice cream."
Contract Highlights include:
- Wage increases including the replacement of tipping for guaranteed higher rates - Seven new holidays
- The formation of a Labor Management Committee
- Reimbursement policies for work attire
- Paid time off, sick time, and leave of absence rights - Collaboration on Free Cone Day
- Comprehensive Health and Safety protections including the implementation of new paid training.
Quotes from the Scoopers Involved in the contract proposal writing and negotiations:
Ella (she/her), Shift Manager and Caker at Ben & Jerry’s Burlington Scoop Shop, Steward for Scoopers United: “I’m proud to be a part of a group of people who have all been passionate about this union from the start. Through this process, I think we have formed a relationship of mutual respect with Ben and Jerry’s and created a contract that fosters an equitable and collaborative work environment. I’m excited to see all our hard work put into action in the coming months!”
Lauren (She/her), Shift Manager and Catering Lead at Ben &Jerry’s Burlington Scoop Shop, Steward for Scoopers United: “It was an amazing experience working with a company that believed in its employees and allowed us to exercise our right to form a union. We hope other B&J’s can see that this is possible for themselves too.”
Parker (he/him), Shift Manager at Ben & Jerry’s Burlington Scoop Shop, Co-Organizer of Scoopers United: “It’s hard to believe that at our age we managed to garner unanimous support across our team and negotiate with an internationally recognized company for a labor contract. This contract is iconic, and the process helped me grow as a professional and as an individua.l”
Rebeka Mendelsohn (she/her), former Scooper and current Organzier for Workers United, Upstate NY and VT: “This contract started as a list of ‘wants’ in a notes app my coworkers and I would make on our time off between classes and shifts. From those requests, to contract ratification, I am incredibly proud to see the way this contract came to be. Burlington is a union town, and this contract and its new standards for livable wages, and Health and Safety protections will pave the way for others to earn the same respect in their workplaces.”
1.18.2024 Scoopers United
