Lipton factory workers unionize after working conditions decline
Workers at Lipton's Virginia facility, which produces all the tea bags sold in North America, decided to unionize due to declining working conditions. According to data from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, about 200 workers participated in the vote to unionize, with 108 votes for and 79 against, well over the half-plus-one needed. Workers reportedly complained about shifts that lasted up to 12 hours a day for up to 13 days straight without a day off. Employees also highlighted declining benefits over the course of the last 10 years. Unilever, the parent company of Lipton Tea, announced a major $96 million expansion of the site three years ago with an expectation to double the staff.