Originally published in Labor Today
In a major victory for the American labor movement, workers at PetSmart Store 0507 in Mishawaka, Indiana unionized in a staggering 21-2 voted to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). The PetSmart Union aims to fight for better pay, scheduling, and working conditions in the aftermath of PetSmart’s attempts to consolidate job responsibilities and lower pay.
The union mentions understaffing, faulty equipment, and underwhelming pay increases as inspiration for hundreds of PetSmart associates, groomers, trainers, and more to work to organize their workplaces. Workers at PetSmart in Midland, TX and Fairfield, CA have also filed for a union vote.
According to the PetSmart Union, “Ever since PetSmart was bought out by BC Partners in 2015, we’ve seen how the desire for profit has gotten in the way of our needs and the needs of the pets we care for. With a union, we’ll be able to forge a better PetSmart for workers and pets alike. We won’t let BC Partners’ focus on profits impact our standards and our love for what we do.”
