“My husband and I both work for Stop and Shop, so our entire financial world was about to change. I had to keep strong for my employees, but this wasn’t an easy task when I was so nervous on the inside. Going on strike for two weeks, not knowing what was going to happen to us financially as a family was frightening.” These were some of the thoughts shared by Lucy Sciarretto this morning when speaking to to legislators and the press. Lucy was speaking in favor of HB 5164, a bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits after they have been on strike for two consecutive weeks.

States have increased worker power in 2023, making it easier for workers to form unions and improve their working conditions. Workers have been reaching out to Local 371 in record numbers, and whether it be in cannabis, healthcare, retail food, or food processing, we are busy helping them form their unions. If you or someone you know wants to form a union and make their workplace better, check this out!

The UFCW Local 371 is extremely proud to welcome the hard-working ice cream processors at Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury, Vermont plant to our union family. From Cherry Garcia to Chubby Hubby, Ben and Jerry’s workers at the Waterbury, Vermont plant proudly make some of the country’s most recognizable ice cream flavors. As America’s food processing union, we are thrilled at the opportunity to not only represent, but uplift, workers at such an iconic American brand and we look forward to bringing this opportunity to other Ben & Jerry’s plants across the country. These workers know better than anyone that whether it’s in a cup or cone, union victory tastes sweet.

We applaud the Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury plant employees who made their voices heard today by joining the UFCW through card check recognition. Ben & Jerry’s are well known for their progressive politics, and we held them to their word. We are glad to see Ben & Jerry’s live up to their stated values by recognizing their workers’ right to unionize instead of forcing a long and drawn out election process. Ben & Jerry’s employees work hard to make the ice cream that so many Americans know and love and we look forward to sitting down at the bargaining table to negotiate a contract that gives them the benefits that they have earned and deserve.

Please join the UFCW Women’s Network on November 16, 2023 at 11:30 am for a Women’s Self Defense Skills workshop. Register now for a spot!!