NYC's Breads union effort links workplace demands to political claims

Employees at the NYC mini-chain Breads Bakery formed the Breaking Breads Union and tied demands for higher pay, profit redistribution and safer conditions to opposition to Israel's actions; the bakery said it does not engage in politics and emphasized care for its team.

Workers at the NYC mini-chain Breads Bakery have formed a group called the Breaking Breads Union and say they are seeking to unionize. The group publicly linked its workplace demands—including higher pay, redistribution of profits, safer working conditions and greater respect—to opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, using language that referenced "genocide" and posting a Palestinian flag emoji. Breads Bakery responded with a statement saying the business is "built on love and genuine care for our team," that it makes babka and does not engage in politics. The situation has drawn attention because the bakery is a spinoff of a Tel Aviv bakery and the statements mix labor organizing with international political concerns. Key points: - Workers formed the Breaking Breads Union and listed pay, profit redistribution, safety and respect among their demands. - The union initiative publicly tied those demands to opposition to Israel's actions, using the word "genocide" and a Palestinian flag emoji. - Breads Bakery issued a statement saying it does not engage in politics and emphasized care for its staff. Summary: The dispute ties workplace organizing to broader political issues and has prompted public statements from both the workers and the bakery. Undetermined at this time.