Extreme heat is killing workers across the food system and beyond. We need protections now. Every summer, our members tell us about the realities of working in extreme heat: Then there is the very real risk of death. “Heat kills, and long before it’s fatal, it impairs cognition, increases fatigue, and increases the risk of…
Thirteen FCWA members showed out for food workers at at the biennial Labor Notes Conference in Chicago this month, making connections and speaking on panels. Huge thanks to everyone who made our attendance possible, including the awesome team at LN! Member Panels at the Conference: In a joint FCWA panel, Justice for Migrant Workers (Ontario,…
The #GoodFoodNY Bill (S.7638B / A.8091B) just passed the New York State Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support! This is a major step forward for New York farmers, workers, and communities. Led by Community Food Advocates and GoodFoodBuffalo, the strategy, partnership, and commitment of the NYS Good Food Purchasing Coalition that brought this legislation to this…
With 35 members across North America, we don’t always get the chance to be in-person with FCWA groups. But in May, staff had the opportunity to support and celebrate the work of three amazing groups fighting for food workers. 10 Years of Alianza Agrícola Alianza Agrícola is the only organized group of undocumented immigrant dairy…
For International Workers’ Day 2026, we’re thinking about our comrade and legendary NYC organizer Mahoma Garfías Lopez, our community members suffering in ICE detention, and the constant exploitation of 28 million workers in the U.S. food system. Yesterday, FCWA staff hit the streets: we were in Los Angeles, CA with members WECN-LA and UFCW Local…
(español abajo) The FCWA community is heartbroken that we lost our compañero and dear friend Mahoma López Garfias last week. Mahoma’s work with FCWA member the Laundry Workers Center lasted more than decade, starting with the Hot & Crusty Campaign. In 2012, he supported workers at the pizzeria through a 50-day lockout that ultimately led…
(español abajo) We stand with Minnesota unions, community organizations, faith leaders, and small businesses calling for a general economic strike on Friday. This action is in protest of ICE’s presence brutal assaults on community members including children, US citizens, and refugees. What is a general strike? In brief, it’s a widespread work stoppage across industries…
Another year gone by and NSLU is still fighting for their first contract! New Seasons Labor Union is an independent union of workers at Portland grocery chain New Seasons Markets. They won their first union vote in 2022 and now represent ~850 workers across ten locations. In 2025, they affiliated with UE Local 1010. They…
“There are virtually no limits on what federal agents can do to achieve President Donald Trump’s goal of mass deportations.” – ProPublica Right now, ICE is bursting at the seams with billions of dollars in new funding, thousands of new hires, and more than 1,100 new working agreements with local police departments. Not to mention…
We established #InternationalFoodWorkersWeek to honor food workers during the week of Thanksgiving, when most Americans are focused on grocery shopping, cooking, and eating. At the grocery store, we think carefully about which products are the best value or quality. But we rarely consider how that turkey actually got into the freezer case in front of…
Last week, 54 workers and organizers from across FCWA membership traveled to Portland for our annual Worker Leaders Retreat! Every year, FCWA members get together in-person for relationship-building, peer sharing, and strategizing for the year ahead. This year, we were thrilled to be welcomed to Portland by local co-hosts Burgerville Workers Union (BVWU) and New…
In 2021 we launched a new virtual leadership development training to replace our in-person model put on hold by the pandemic. It quickly became a core model, attracting more participants and connecting workers from all corners of North America in one learning space. This month we launched our eighth organizing cohort, with 16 frontline workers…
