Natural Grocers Shuts Down East Side Store in Controversial Move Amid Tucson Union Drive

A Natural Grocers location in Tucson’s East Side is set to close on Wednesday due to an expired lease, according to company officials. However, some employees allege that the closure is retaliatory, linked to a recent unionization effort.

The store at Broadway and Kolb Road announced its closure following a failed union vote in July, which saw pro-union workers terminated before the election. These workers claim that their dismissal was a direct response to their organizing efforts. One affected employee stated, “The day they fired me, they broke the law.”

Natural Grocers, a national chain, disputes these allegations and insists the closure is a strategic decision based on operational challenges and market conditions. Co-President Kemper Isely mentioned in a press release that the decision was made after careful consideration of various factors impacting store performance.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Natural Grocers, accusing the company of retaliating against workers involved in union activities. The union is seeking to count several disputed ballots, which could alter the election results, and a determination will be made by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regarding a possible hearing.

William Gamble, a 10-year employee and union supporter, was fired the day after he announced the workers’ intent to unionize. Although the workers voted against unionization by just a narrow margin of 7-5, the dismissal of several vocal proponents raised significant concerns about the legality of the election process.

Gamble’s termination notification cited unspecified violations of company policies regarding conduct. He maintains his innocence, asserting he was an advocate for his colleagues facing harassment and discrimination.

In light of his dismissal, Gamble has faced financial difficulties, describing the situation as “incredibly difficult” for his family. His situation reflects broader concerns among Natural Grocers workers about management’s treatment and workplace conditions.

Natural Grocers has faced scrutiny and accusations of anti-union activities at different locations, including hiring labor relations consultants to influence workers after the unionization effort became public. Captive audience meetings, where employees are compelled to hear anti-union messages during working hours, have also been reported.

Similar allegations of retaliatory store closures linked to union activity have surfaced in recent years across various national chains, raising questions about labor practices in the retail industry. As of now, the Tucson location will leave three remaining stores in the area and 167 total locations across 20 states west of the Mississippi.