NGA Says PRO Act Would ‘Severely Infringe’ Rights of Workers

The National Grocers Association (NGA), which recently announced its newly elected board of directors, said it will continue its fight against Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which provide protections for workers trying to organize, as it moves to the Senate after receiving House approval.

“The PRO Act overturns decades of U.S. labor policy and awards big labor a lopsided advantage against entrepreneurial businesses,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based NGA, in a release. “Adoption of the act into law would severely infringe the rights of workers as well as their employers, including America’s independent grocers, whose tireless efforts drive local economic growth and create jobs within their communities.”

If enacted, the PRO Act would eliminate right-to-work laws in 27 states. Proponents of the bill argue it would strengthen employees' rights, helping them secure better wages and working conditions, while opponents say it would hurt small businesses and make employers vulnerable to legal action.

“This undemocratic bill denies employers’ right to free speech and advice of counsel while compromising employees’ right to privacy,” Ferrara said. “Legislation such as the PRO Act deals a crushing blow to workers’ rights and economic growth at a pivotal time for this nation, which continues to grapple with the impact of the pandemic.”

NGA 2021 Board of Directors

In a separate release, NGA announced its newly elected board of directors. Eight individuals, by recommendation of the NGA Board nominating committee and subsequent vote by the membership, and one appointed individual will join the board.

Among retailers, the new board members are Melissa Buonadonna-Hernandez, president of Buonadonna ShopRite; Carlos Castro, president of Todos Supermarket; and Jimmy Nichols, chief operations officer of Houchens Industries.

The two newly elected wholesalers are Manard Lagasse, president/CEO of Associated Grocers Inc., and Michele Azar, president of Merchant Distributors Inc.

Other newly elected board members include Robert Graybill, president and CEO of FMS Solutions; Rick Brindle, VP of industry development for Mondelez International; Mike Ridenour, ‎head of industry relations and sales operations for The Kraft Heinz Co.; and Kathy Kuzava, president of the Georgia Food Industry Association.

Scott Widtfelt, EVP of commercial, natural and independents for KeHE Distributors, was appointed to fill a vacancy.

“Being a representative for the membership of NGA is a great responsibility and I know each of these members will provide valuable contributions and perspective that will help guide NGA as we approach our 40th anniversary,” said Mike Stigers, NGA chairman of the board and CEO of Cub Foods.

Reelected board members include Jennifer Bosma, Harvest Market; Neil Greenstein, Brookdale ShopRite; David Bullard, Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distribution Co.; Winston Griffin, Laurel Grocery Co.; Lori Raya, SpartanNash; and Joe Wolf, Alliance Retail.