Employees at Breads Bakery, New York City's prominent Israeli-inspired bakery chain, have launched a unionization effort demanding better wages, safer working conditions, and an end to what they describe as the company's support for Israel's actions in Gaza, which they label as "genocide."
The move has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the workers of antisemitism and potential civil rights violations tied to the owners' Israeli nationality.
The Breaking Breads Union, formed by staff across the bakery's six Manhattan locations and supported by United Auto Workers Local 2179, announced its formation on January 6, claiming backing from over 30% of the 275 employees.
In a multilingual press release, the group outlined demands including higher pay (above the current range starting at minimum wage up to $20 per hour), reliable scheduling, and addressing safety issues like a reported incident where a falling locker concussed a worker in August 2024.
They also allege management prohibits speaking Arabic in cafes and defers to violent customers without accountability.
A significant portion of the demands focuses on political stances: Workers refuse to bake cookies with the Israeli flag, cater events like The Great Nosh, a Jewish food festival linked to organizations donating to the IDF for soldier rehabilitation and trauma care, or participate in fundraisers tied to Israel.
"We see our struggles for fair pay, respect, and safety as connected to struggles against genocide and forces of exploitation around the world," the union stated.
The union is seeking voluntary recognition; if denied, it plans to petition the National Labor Relations Board for an election.
