In New York City, hourly employees at various open-air farmers' markets have decided to unionize in order to improve their wages, benefits, and job security. Many of these markets are overseen by the non-profit organization GrowNYC, and workers are also seeking greater safety protections from the organization as there are sometimes chaotic and dangerous situations that arise. Workers have shared stories of being mistreated by customers and are hoping that by forming a union GrowNYC will provide trainings for them to learn how to deescalate hostile situations. On Wednesday, the organization agreed to recognize the union and has stated its respect for and cooperation with the newly formed union.
See "In NYC, farmers' market workers have unionized to seek better wages, benefits and safety measures amidst chaotic outdoor work conditions", Liam Stack , New York Times, April 26, 2023