Judge rejects anti-union vote at Fresh & Easy meat supplier

*A highly controversial vote that prevented union representation at Fresh & Easy meat supplier 2 Sisters Food Group was negated by administrative law judge Lana Parke on July 21.  Now it appears that Fresh & Easy might have jumped to conclusions prematurely.

On July 21, an administrative law judge in Los Angeles invalidated last year’s vote by 2 Sisters employees against joining UFCW Local 1167.  The judge noted that the company had intimidated its employees by improperly firing Xonia Trespalacios, an outspoken pro-union worker, prior to the election.  Administrative law Judge Lana Parke ruled that 2 Sisters must offer to reinstate Trespalacios to her former job and compensate her for lost wages and benefits.

Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian said the union may call for another vote.  “The law says the workers at 2 Sisters have a right to choose in an atmosphere that is free of threats and intimidation,” Mickey said.  “If we decide to call for a new election, the workers at 2 Sisters will know the law protects their jobs if they want to speak out in support of joining a union.”

A successful organizing drive at a subsidiary of Fresh & Easy would be a significant step toward bringing the benefits of union membership to other workers at the company, Mickey said.

Fresh & Easy parent company Tesco recently purchased 2 Sisters Food Group and fellow meat supplier Wild Rocket Foods. The companies, based in facilities adjacent to Fresh & Easy’s distribution complex in Riverside, Calif., supply meat, fish, poultry and produce.