On Jan. 5, over 100 members of UFCW Local 328 at five Seven Stars Bakery locations in Providence, Rumford and Cranston, R.I., voted unanimously to approve their first contract. The workers are the first retail cafe workers in the state to have a union contract that will strengthen wages, increase benefits, and create new workplace protections.
“I’m so proud of what we have accomplished and so grateful for the support of our community. I’m excited for how this first contract benefits everyone at my workplace!” said Stephanie Walker, a keyholder at the Cranston Seven Stars location.
The three-year contract, which was ratified unanimously, includes:
- Wage increases
- Increased classification base rates
- Guaranteed minimum hours
- Elimination of the company’s “on-call” day
- Improved vacation benefits
- Company-matched retirement benefits
- Robust workplace protections
“I am so proud of the workers at Seven Stars,” said UFCW Local 328 President Timothy Melia. “They have demonstrated true union solidarity in forming their union and sticking together during these negotiations. And because of that strength and commitment, they now have a contract that is an example for all workers across the country of what can happen when you stick together.”