Workers strike outside of New Seasons Market. | Janet Shek Workers at 11 locations of New Seasons Market are striking today, November 27, after being unable to agree to a new contract with management Workers at 11 unionized locations of New Seasons Market, a local chain of Portland grocery stores, are going on strike and participating in a work stoppage today, November 27, in response to alleged unfair labor practices and failing to reach a new deal with management. “We have made our best effort to offer the company numerous ways to avert a strike by ceasing their unfair labor practices and offering our members a deal that meets their needs, yet they refuse,” says Ava Robins, co-chair of New Seasons Labor Union, in a press release. According to New Seasons Market, all stores will remain open throughout the strike. In a statement shared with Eater Portland, a spokesperson for New Seasons Market says, “New Seasons Market staff are the heart of our business, and we respect the NSLU’s right to engage in this protected activity, which is common during collective bargaining. We remain focused on minimizing disruption so we can provide our customers with the service they’ve come to expect from New Seasons Market.” Janet Shek NSLU workers on strike. According to the press release, the strike comes in response to a recent proposal from New Seasons Market management that allegedly included a “a dismal increase” of 25 cents for new hires, a reduction in holiday pay, and increasing the hours necessary to receive benefits and paid time off from 24 to 30 hours a week. In a previous session, the market also allegedly proposed a change to the contract that would get rid of company-funded health insurance in exchange for a higher wage. According to a statement shared by New Seasons Market, both parties have met at “mutually agreed-upon times” throughout the bargaining process, and the organizations have reached 16 tentative agreements. “Throughout the collective bargaining process, our priority has been the well-being of our staff and customers,” says a spokesperson for New Seasons Market. “We remain committed to constructive negotiations, which we believe are the path to resolution.” As part of the strike, the union is also encouraging patrons to boycott the market throughout the holiday season. “We have always had support from our community in our fight for a fair contract, and the number one way that customers can support us now is by refusing to shop at New Seasons this holiday season, and joining us on the picket line on Wednesday,” says Jimbo Heiner, a chapter representative at the Sellwood location, in a press release. New Seasons Labor Union, which was founded in 2022, currently represents over 1,000 workers across the Portland metropolitan area. Its organizing aims to raise the wage threshold to the living wage minimum of $27.04 set by the MIT economics department, advocating for cost-of-living raises, increased paid time off, permission for cashiers and other workers to sit during their shifts, premium pay for overnight work, and more. Currently, New Seasons Market offers a starting wage of $16.25 an hour, an automatic raise every six months, and benefits eligibility for employees working at least 24 hours per week. Minimum wage for the Portland metro area is $15.95 an hour. In advance of the strike, New Seasons Labor Union has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board.