United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 is providing active and intensive assistance to its members working at Fresh & Green’s at the 48th St Northwest location in D.C.
This photo was taken at the ratification meeting when Fresh and Green’s took over the Superfresh store back in 2011. Photo by Bill Burke.
Employees found out just two weeks ago that the chain’s Washington and Maryland locations would be closing its doors.
Local 400 has been working tenaciously to place members in new union jobs with other grocery chains and in connecting members with needed community services.
According to a report by WJLA news the neighborhood is stepping up in a big way to help out the employees by collecting donations, a much appreciated gesture during this sudden shock during the holiday season.
The parent company of Fresh & Green’s says the locations simply weren’t profitable. Where the bottom line fell short, though, shoppers say it was the employees, many whom have been there over 12 years, make the store rich in customer loyalty.
“We are saddened by Fresh & Green’s decision to leave the grocery and retail business,” said Local 400 President Mark P. Federici. “Unfortunately, this is a reflection of the still-struggling economy, skyrocketing real estate costs, and competition against predatory retailing giants trying to drive the few remaining small shops out of the market.
“Our hard-working members did everything possible to keep Fresh & Green’s alive,” Federici said, “and we will do everything possible to ensure that no one is left behind. Our Fresh & Green’s members can count on their union to help them through this challenging time and empower them to achieve a better future.”
The other locations are located in Arnold, Brunswick, Cambridge, Baltimore and Chestertown, Md. Local 400 does not represent workers at these Maryland locations.