A labor union representing workers at Ben & Jerry’s flagship store in Burlington announced Thursday that it had ratified its first contract with the company.
According to a press release from Scoopers United, workers will receive a number of new benefits under the contract such as wage increases, seven new holidays and reimbursement policies for work attire.
Other benefits include the formation of a labor management committee, health and safety protections and paid time off, sick time, and leave of absence rights.
Employees at the store came together to form Scoopers United last May, with 35 of 39 staff voting in favor unionizing. Scoopers United is supported by the Workers United Rochester Regional Joint Board.
The release from Scoopers United stated that Ben & Jerry’s, which is owned by the multinational conglomerate Unilever, “did more than bargain in good faith. They showed up to sessions, listened to their workers — acting on their concerns — and reached an agreement that was unanimously celebrated and ratified.”
The union wrote that it hopes Ben & Jerry’s approach “will inspire other companies to show their employees the same respect and serve as a new standard within the industry.”
In a post on X, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., congratulated the union “for securing a strong 1st contract increasing wages to $20.75/hour with good benefits. I also thank Ben & Jerry’s for recognizing the union after a majority of members signed cards to join it. Other companies must follow their lead.”
A spokesperson for Ben & Jerry’s released a statement to VTDigger, saying: “To recognize and support the rights of the workers at the Burlington store to unionize and collectively bargain is consistent with Ben & Jerry’s progressive values and 3-part mission. We’re appreciative that this has been a collaborative and respectful process through which the scoopers were fully engaged.”
Last month, employees of Ben & Jerry’s flagship plant in Waterbury also voted to unionize, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.
