1/26, Oakland: Rally for Justice at Farmer Joe's

These are pretty serious charges leveled against the owners of this locally-owned small grocery. I've shopped at the smaller, original Laurel District store for years and have gotten to know the Tam's (the owners) and employees. I love these neighborhood stores. Do I know for certain what this guy Henneberry says about the Tam's isn't true. No. But do I doubt it? Yes. At least the worst of it.

In this morning's Montclarion (neighborhood paper), the Tam's have denied Henneberry's charges that they hired an "anti-union strategist," or punished employees interested in joining the union. In fact, they seemed confused by the whole thing. Frustratingly, there were no interviews with employees, only Henneberry and the store owners. Do the employees even want to join?

An internet search on this guy's name came up with several hits of his organizing pickets at other non-union (or even suspected non-union) grocery stores in the area in the last few years. The charges he laid against those stores sound exactly (and suspiciously) the same as those he levels against the Tams.

Before joining this rally, just ask yourself if this is the right thing to do. Has anyone asked the employees what they think? Talk to a clerk or two.

I actually am, in general, very pro-union. I'm not in favor of forced unionization. Will someone please investigate if this guy gets large bonuses for new members he brings in? Is this rally in response to pleas from abused employees, or muckraking by an overzealous organizer looking for fresh recruits?

I completely agree with you. After seeing the protest, which was loud and rowdy, it seems like the union is using unfair tactics. After speaking with the owners of Farmer Joe's, I heard that the union wants them to sign an agreement which would bring the union in without allowing all of their employees to vote. Seems a bit suspicious, doesn't it? Aren't unions supposed to fight for worker's rights, not gain membership to get more money? It's disappointing to see how dishonest people have become. I saw a woman ask the pro-union strikers if the store was open and saw them lie to her by saying that it was closed. What kind of tactics are they using?

I think the best way to find out about the situation is to talk to the workers at Farmer Joe's. I spoke to a few of the clerks and they indicated that they were happy working here. They say that the wages are above average and that many of them are content about the benefits the Tams have offered. I think Unions are great in protecting workers against exploitation or poor working conditions, but it doesn't seem like this is the place for it.