Employees of Ozark Natural Foods have gone on strike seeking the resignation of two of the cooperative’s board members.
In a letter to the board, several employees are asking that board members Linda Ralston and Sue Graham step down.
The letter claims a group of owners asked for a special meeting with the board to discuss their grievances and were denied. It also claims the majority of staff petitioned the board seeking the reinstatement of Alysen Land, former general manager. That request has not been acknowledged, according to the letter.
Board chairman Joshua Youngblood said he’d meet Monday with employees and efforts are being made to resolve the issues.
“The most important thing, from the board’s point of view, is to let the coop serve the community,” Youngblood said. “So, we’re going to work as quickly as possible to get the doors open.”
Youngblood said 63 members of the coop’s employees met Sunday and 60 voted to strike.
Doors to the coop were locked at the close of business Sunday and staff are conducting a sit-down strike, according to the letter.
The letter apologizes to customers and members for any inconvenience.