**Portland's New Seasons Market Workers Plan Pre-Thanksgiving Strike Amid Labor Disputes**

Workers at 11 unionized New Seasons Market locations in the Portland area are set to initiate a one-day strike on the eve of Thanksgiving. This move, announced by the New Seasons Labor Union, represents over 1,100 grocery workers and comes as a response to alleged "numerous ongoing unfair labor practices" by the company. The union claims that these practices have impeded contract negotiations, which have been ongoing for more than a year without agreement.

The core issues contributing to this standoff include disputes over wages, paid time off, benefits eligibility, and holiday pay. The union has accused New Seasons of negotiating in bad faith, further straining relations between the two parties. On the other hand, New Seasons Market maintains that their priority remains finding common ground and that they are committed to constructive negotiations. Despite the difficulties often associated with first-time contracts, the company asserts progress is being made.

To avert the strike, the union has demanded that New Seasons executives propose better wages and benefits. New Seasons has acknowledged the difficulties the strike could cause given the timing around the Thanksgiving holiday and has encouraged customers to shop early. The company has also offered double-pay to hourly staff willing to work the day before Thanksgiving to keep the stores operational.

This strike announcement comes roughly three months after workers at 10 New Seasons stores conducted a one-day "warning strike" over similar grievances. Workers at the Seven Corners location were the first in the New Seasons regional chain to organize and form an independent union in 2022. Since then, other locations have followed suit, but a final contract has yet to be achieved.