Tensions on display as local market unionizes (after 4 &1/2 years they won a UNION)

http://www.theotherpaper.com/top5-22/substory1.htm

by lyndsey teter / May 22, 2008

His long, gray hair pulled back in a ponytail under his gardening hat, the most polarizing figure in the local natural foods scene didn’t look so menacing as he watered flats of veggies in front of the Clintonville Community Market Monday.

A week earlier, after months of behind-the-scenes turmoil, almost two dozen members of his staff at the co-op had voted to unionize. But Edward Bain politely explained that he wasn’t sure he could speak to the problems that have developed during his decades-long stint as the market’s general manager.


Tim Johnson
A duel between the pro-Ed and anti-Ed camps: The Clintonville Community Market


“We all have our colorful stories to tell, and generally I am one of those people,” he said. “But this is all new to me. I’m not sure what I can legally say.”

There is no shortage of colorful stories about Bain. The longtime manager and face of the market is famous for two things: the hard work he put in to grow the co-op from a small store in a church basement to the successful $2 million business it is today, and his lack of people skills when it comes to managing his own staff.

The majority of market shoppers likely have no clue about the growing animosity. But discerning members of the Clintonville community and the 1,000 or so co-op members say a duel between the pro-Ed and the anti-Ed camps has developed.

“It’s really a no-win either way you go,” said Bruce Owens, one of seven volunteer co-op board members who employ Bain.

FULL story at link.