Golden Farm Finally Caves and Gives Workers Contract

It was a hard-fought battle for the workers at Golden Farm Market and Deli, but finally, after two years, owner Sonny Kim agreed to give his employees contracts.

Workers Win Contract at Golden Farm Market/Deli

The Kensington, Brooklyn store owner had been trying to fight the workers demand for contracts by trying to get Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 338 decertified. He also had been trying to dissuade shoppers from boycotting and picketing the store. After two years of fighting Kim decided it would be in everyone’s best interest, including his own, to offer his workers contracts, and did so in late June.

Martin Gonzalez, one of the workers who now, for the first time, have a contract to work at Golden Farm said, “We the workers of Golden Farm thank you for all your help. Thank you for your time on the picket line. Above all, thank you for making this campaign a dream come true — a campaign that nobody stopped, only victory.”

Another worker added: “Hi, my name is Roberto and in the name of my co-workers from Golden Farm we greet you most sincerely and thank you very much — to every one of you — for the unconditional help. This victory is also yours. Thank you to everyone and God bless you.”

The contract signed by the workers and owner stipulates that each worker is entitled to paid sick days, holidays and vacation time. They also received small raises, the first time they have been paid beyond minimum wage. The contract also includes a “good cause” clause, which states that management must have, and provide, a reason to fire an employee. The contract also allows workers the rights to have active union representation.

This last bit about union representation was the last hurdle to overcome before Kim agreed to the contract.