Last week, an employee at a local unionized Stop & Shop criticized ICE agents to a customer wearing a shirt that was intended to make himself seem like an agent. The employee was indefinitely suspended without pay for doing so. Management denied their Weingarten rights to union representation and violated their right to protected speech concerning public interests, which is extended to the private sector in CT.
Make no mistake: the strength of the labor movement and the rights of immigrants are inherently tied to one another. The employee is an active union member and immigrant rights activist who was targeted for their conviction that immigrants deserve to live freely and without fear. Their employment status is being used as a tool to try to silence them.
The employee is not putting up with these violations, and is filing a grievance with their Local to ensure their rights and the rights of immigrants in the community are not denied.
When someone is discriminating against you or your coworkers, speak up. Become familiar with Article 5 of the contract (available online) and reach out to your area steward and the UCPEA Office if you believe something is going on. The contract only stays strong if we enforce it.
UCPEA is committed to supporting our immigrant neighbors and resisting any federal activity that restricts their civil and human rights. In 2026, our members voted in support of the Sanctuary Union Resolution.
If you have the means, the employee has set up a GoFundMe to help them and their family cover rent, food, and miscellaneous expenses that would otherwise be covered by their shifts.