On June 16, UFCW International President Marc Perrone issued a statement in response to Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion.
“Amazon’s brutal vision for retail is one where automation replaces good jobs. That is the reality today at Amazon, and it will no doubt become the reality at Whole Foods.
“Sadly, the hard-working men and women who work at Whole Foods now face an uncertain future because the Amazon model for grocery stores ultimately leads to fewer jobs, worse benefits, and more automation. Make no mistake, these are not the values most Americans believe in nor the ones embraced by many Whole Foods customers.
“While Amazon may prefer a path that treats Americans as if they are just faceless workers, the employees of Whole Foods deserve better and should realize they’ve earned the right to a better life.”