More than 80 workers at eight Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams locations in Columbus, Ohio, voted to join UFCW Local 1059 on Jan. 14. This organizing win marks the first ice cream shop unit to be organized by UFCW Local 1059.
These workers, who are employed as full- and part-time team leads and ambassadors for the ice cream shops, joined our union because they wanted better wages and benefits and a voice in the workplace.
The campaign to organize these workers included on site meetings with the workers about the benefits of joining our union. A strong, worker-led organizing committee also played a critical role in this campaign by connecting employees with UFCW Local 1059 organizers and helping to build support across the shops.
“Jeni’s is an institution here in Columbus – many of us who grew up here have memories of visiting with friends and family,” said Luka Bastin-Howes, who is a team lead at one of the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams stores in Columbus. “Starting a union at Jeni’s feels like an important moment for our city. I love working at Jeni’s and our work brings tremendous value to the company that should be reflected in a union contract. I’m looking forward to working with management to bargain a contract that cements Jeni’s as a great place to work and makes Columbus stronger.”
“Like too many workers who have been left behind in this economy, the employees of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams knew the only way to be heard was by joining together and amplifying their voices through solidarity,” said UFCW Local 1059 President Mike Nichols. “They are showing young workers everywhere that all work deserves dignity and respect.”
