Reinstate the Costa Mesa 15
On August 3, 2026, Mother’s Market managers at the Costa Mesa store suspended 15 union supporters. All suspended workers had joined the Hearts United union organizing committee with a public photo, signed a petition addressing poor working conditions, and/or signed a union card.
Then, on August 21, Mother’s Market terminated the 15 workers without cause, via an impersonal written notice.
Workers and their supporters believe Mother’s Market management fired the workers because they were leading the Hearts United campaign to fix the workforce management problems at the company and win a union for workers. They further believe that management’s decision to terminate “The Costa Mesa 15” violated their legal right to organize.
People are talking about it
Manuel Chavez
Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem
“Give them their jobs back! The workers are asking for nothing but respect and a right to be at the table. I stand with the workers – they’re why I shop here.”
Jacob Ramos
One of the Costa Mesa 15
“As young people, management thinks they can step on us. They think they can order us around at work, outside of work, and now they’re trying to squash our union.”
Jose Perez
UFCW 324, President
