BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) 鈥� Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry鈥檚 has reached its first contract agreement with workers at a retail shop in the Vermont city where it was founded after the employees petitioned to unionize last year, Scoopers United and the brand announced Thursday.
at the Ben & Jerry鈥檚 ice cream shop in Burlington announced last April that they planned to form a union. known as much for its social activism as its products and currently owned by consumer goods conglomerate Unilever, said it supported the workers鈥� plan.
鈥淭his joint celebration is a testament to the leadership and collaboration required of both parties to create such a monumental first contract,鈥� the union said in a written statement on Thursday. 鈥淚t also speaks to the ease that follows working with a company that prioritizes workers鈥� rights and their desires to unionize.鈥�
Ben & Jerry’s said in a statement that it remains 鈥渃ommitted to operating our company in a way that is inclusive, and equitable.”
鈥淲e are proud that Ben & Jerry鈥檚 attracts employees who embrace our values as we have reached this agreement thanks to these scoopers鈥� hard work and ownership in this effort,鈥� it said.
Founded in 1978 Ben & Jerry鈥檚 has not shied away from social causes. While many businesses tread lightly in politics for fear of alienating customers, the
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