Passed Resolution in Opposition to New Seasons Market Expansion in Seattle

This resolution was passed by members of the 37th Legislative District Democrats in the August 2017 Membership Meeting.

A Resolution in Opposition to the Expansion of New Seasons Market in Seattle

Whereas, an out-of-state grocery chain called New Seasons Market is expanding its operations to the Puget Sound Region, including planned stores in the Central Area and Columbia City;

Whereas, New Seasons Market presents itself as a socially responsible natural foods company, but is, in fact, majority-owned by private equity investors through Endeavour Capital which is funded by the Vancouver-based Murdock Charitable Trust; and

Whereas the Murdock Charitable Trust has contributed millions of dollars to organizations that actively undermine Northwest values of mutual respect, inclusiveness and tolerance and has supported anti-LGBTQ, anti-women and anti-worker organizations; and

Whereas, New Seasons Market, a non-union employer, provides employees with substandard health and retirement benefits compared to unionized Seattle-area grocery workers, and New Seasons employees lack the just cause protections afforded to union grocery workers through their collective bargaining agreements;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the 37th district Democrats opposes the entry of New Seasons Market into our Puget Sound communities; and

Be It Further Resolved that the 37th district Democrats provide copies of this resolution to New Seasons Market management, our elected officials, Vulcan, and Lake Union Partners; and

Be It Further Resolved that the 37th district Democrats will publish this resolution on its website and in other online and print publications, as appropriate.

Select Resources

Murdock Charitable Trust: Stop Funding Hate!
Northwest Accountability Project (Accessed March 31, 2017).

We Tracked Down the Lawyers Behind the Recent Wave of Anti-Trans Bathroom Bills
Mother Jones (April 25, 2016)

A Vancouver Charity is Funding a Group Backing North Carolina’s Anti-Transgender “‘Bathroom Bill’
Willamette Week (April 11, 2016).

Local foundation provides surprising support for right-wing campaign

National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (March 16, 2016).

Hate groups increase for second consecutive year as Trump electrifies radical right
Southern Poverty Law Center (February 15, 2017).