Prov Mayoral Candidate Morales Backs Unionized Workers at Seven Stars Bakery

Prov Mayoral Candidate Morales Backs Unionized Workers at Seven Stars Bakery

Rhode Island State Representative David Morales came out Monday "affirming his support for Seven Stars Bakery workers as they negotiate to renew their contract that expires December 31 and called upon management to offer fair wages to their employees."

Morales, a Democrat, is currently running for Mayor of Providence; the statement was released by the General Assembly press office. 

“All workers deserve livable wages, which is why I stand with Seven Stars workers as they demand a fair contract,” said Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence). “The company’s current proposal would put nearly all counter staff at minimum wage over the next two years, while hiring new employees at only $12 per hour over the next three years."

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"These workers are our neighbors who are trying to make ends meet in a city with soaring rents and growing expenses," he added. "Seven Stars management must return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract that truly addresses the needs of workers.”

Rhode Island’s minimum wage is currently $15 per hour and will increase to $16 on Jan. 1 and to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027. Rhode Island’s tipped minimum wage is currently $3.89 per hour.

 

Union Effort

The release from Morales also included a statement from a union worker. 

“One dollar above minimum wage is more than doable for a company of Seven Stars’ size and we will not back down and accept wage cuts that we feel would keep workers in stressful financial situations,” said Grace Harvey, Union Steward at UFCW Local 328 and a Seven Stars barista. 

“Unfortunately, in our last negotiation with Seven Stars on Dec. 22, the company chose to hold on to their underwhelming wage proposal that fails to provide livable wages for our workers," said Harvey. "As workers prepare for upcoming steps regarding our contract, we are asking community members to contact company CEO JJ Smith and encourage him to meet our wage demands and ensure more livable wages for all Seven Stars workers. We should not be dependent on the kindness of our customers’ tips in order to earn a living wage.”