We, workers from the Essex Crossing Trader Joe’s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, are asking our community to help us support our coworker Millie Lugo. Millie was recently fired for expressing workplace concerns, a protected activity under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. Millie had already been targeted for over a year, due to being a visible union supporter at our store.

Management became increasingly hostile towards Millie in the last couple of months, after they overheard her say a simple critique of the workplace: “managers can make the job hard”. They began ramping up false claims, ranging from attendance issues, clashes with coworkers and customers, and “disrespectful” behavior. All of which did not exist until she was heard discussing her concerns about management in the back, with another worker.

During the last couple of months, union organizers and Millie have fought against management’s campaign against her. But, the threats and bullying only increased as managers made cruel comments to Millie about how no one at the store likes her, and that she would crash and burn if she was a manager herself (despite her many years of managerial experience elsewhere). This all took an emotional toll on Millie while she navigated a hostile work environment, and then ultimately resulted in her termination from Trader Joe’s on August 30th, 2025.

While we are continuing to file labor charges and organize in our workplace for Millie’s reinstatement, she is in immediate need of funds for her living expenses. Please join us in showing Millie care and support during our difficult labor fight.