Bashas’ Files Defamation Suit Against UFCW

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Citing defamation stemming from “win at all costs” union tactics, Bashas’ on Tuesday said it has filed suit against the United Food and Commercial Workers. The suit, filed in Arizona Superior Court, names the union, operatives of Local 99, Phoenix, and what Bashas’ called a false-front organization, “Hungry for Respect,” which it said intentionally interfered with Bashas’ businesses practices “to extort an agreement for union representation.” The suit charges union operatives with delivering false and defamatory statements about the retailer’s treatment of employees and the condition of stores. Bashas’ and the UFCW have tangled for years. The union has contended that Bashas’ purchase of closed stores that were formerly union-represented compels the company to negotiate and has filed numerous complaints about the retailer to the National Labor Relations Board. “In the 75 years that our company has served Arizona, we’ve never been the target of such strong-arm tactics, and such ugly, malicious lies,” Mike Proulx, Bashas’ president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “We will not allow the UFCW or its operatives to bully, intimidate or harass our employees or our customers.”

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