Good Jobs
Good Jobs support Good Health and consumption of Good Food
Good health and good food are not only being lost due to grocery store closings, but we are also failing to create good jobs through supermarket development and union organization.
Battered by rising rents and taxes, one-third of New York City's supermarkets have vanished in the last 10 years. That's 500 stores that have gone out of business.
Gourmet Grocers, Big-box chains and drugstores are replacing traditional supermarkets, but some of these retailers are not providing good jobs to the communities they inhabit. In May, 2008, The New York Times reported that this is causing problems throughout the 5 boroughs. According to the Times, supermarkets are a vital part of communities. Joe Verdeserosso, who owns two Key Food supermarkets in Canarsie, says that:
"Supermarkets are a neighborhood thing. They create jobs for people in the community and are there for them in times of need."
Supermarkets act as anchors for economic development in a neighborhood, and their closure drastically affects a community's quality of life. Unionized supermarkets such as Fairway Markets, Pathmark, Gristedes & D'Agostino's provide:
- Career Opportunities
- Living Wages
- First-Rate Health Care
- Pensions
Gourmet Grocers, Big-box chains and drugstores typically provide jobs which lack affordable health care, competitive wages and a secure future. The dire need for responsible employers throughout the five boroughs is growing every day - more than ever in harsh economic times.
Providing unionized jobs to communities is an essential building block. Good jobs ensure employees in the community with necessary health care, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Good jobs also provide employees in the community with excellent wages and open doors to career oportunities. When employees have good jobs, they take pride in serving their community with good food.
Find out more about what the Building Blocks Project does to protect workers.
Websites:
Articles:
Officials, Union Rally against Grocery Store Closures
Rising rent may shutter Soundview supermarket