On March 18, workers at the Lush Cosmetics store in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood voted unanimously to join UFCW Local 27.
Workers organized around key issues on the job, including fair pay, consistent and reliable scheduling, and a need for dignity and respect in the workplace. Despite anti-union efforts by the company, the workers remained united throughout the campaign and delivered a unanimous result, sending a clear message about their desire for a voice on the job.
“It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, who works at the Baltimore Lush Cosmetics store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.”
“This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”
The Lush Cosmetics workers in Baltimore will now begin negotiating their first union contract, with a focus on improving wages, addressing scheduling concerns, eliminating out-of-pocket parking costs, and ensuring respect on the job.
The UFCW also represents Lush Cosmetics workers in St. Louis, Mo.; Louisville and Lexington, Ky.; and Friendswood, Texas.