**Petition Story: Raising the Minimum Wage to $20 an Hour and Supporting the Right to Unionize at Sprouts Farmers Market**

California is known for its progressive values and strong labor laws, yet many workers still struggle to make ends meet, particularly in high-cost areas. Sprouts Farmers Market, a company that prides itself on providing healthy food and fostering sustainable practices, must extend this commitment to its employees by ensuring they are paid fairly and have the right to organize. While California’s minimum wage has been set to reach $16 an hour in 2024 for large employers, this still falls short for many workers facing skyrocketing housing, healthcare, and living expenses. In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, the cost of living is so high that $16 an hour doesn’t stretch far enough to cover basic needs. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that in some parts of California, a single adult with no dependents needs to make over $21 an hour just to meet essential costs. Many Sprouts employees, who are dedicated to providing excellent service and supporting the company’s mission, are being left behind.

We are calling on Sprouts Farmers Market to lead by example and raise the minimum wage for all employees to **$20 an hour**. This is not just a number — it represents a lifeline for workers who are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and cover medical bills in one of the most expensive states in the country. A wage increase would help bridge the gap between the current minimum wage and the actual cost of living in California, ensuring that employees can live with dignity while working for a company they believe in.

However, raising wages is just the first step. California law recognizes and protects the right of workers to unionize, yet many grocery workers, including those at Sprouts, are not unionized and lack the collective power needed to advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. The California Labor Code and state laws, such as the **California Fair Employment and Housing Act** (FEHA) and the **California Agricultural Labor Relations Act**, provide clear protections for workers who seek to form or join unions, but without employer support, the process can be difficult.

A labor union would give Sprouts employees the platform they need to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and protections. Unionized workers across California have historically secured higher wages, safer working conditions, and more comprehensive healthcare benefits. Unions have the power to ensure that these gains are protected over time, providing employees with stability and a real voice in their workplace.

By raising the base pay to $20 an hour and supporting workers’ rights to unionize, Sprouts Farmers Market can honor California’s values of fairness and equality. This would set a new standard in the grocery industry, showing that a business can be both profitable and committed to the well-being of its employees.

California law supports the rights of workers to collectively bargain, and it's time for Sprouts to join this movement. By empowering its employees, Sprouts can create a stronger, more dedicated workforce, reduce turnover, and foster a positive workplace culture that aligns with its commitment to community and sustainability.

We urge the leadership of Sprouts Farmers Market to act now: raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour and support the formation of a union so that employees can advocate for fair treatment, equitable pay, and improved working conditions. This isn’t just good for workers — it’s good for business, too. Sign this petition to show your support for Sprouts employees and to call for meaningful change!