Mother’s Market Costa Mesa Fires the 15 Suspended Workers
by: Leigh Shelton
Published: August 24, 2026
COSTA MESA...Mother’s Market Costa Mesa has fired the 15 union supporters it suspended on Aug. 3. After three weeks in limbo, the “healthy” grocery chain informed workers via Fedex letter of their termination on Friday, Aug. 21. No reason was given for the workers’ termination.
Since April, workers at 7 of 12 Mother’s Market locations have been campaigning publicly for a union to address chronic workplace issues like low pay, understaffing and last-minute scheduling. Workers are asking for a union as a way to improve store conditions for themselves and customers.
“Today the company took a drastic step in firing me and 14 of my coworkers — all union supporters — with no reason given in the separation letter," said Jacob Ramos, HEARTS UNITED Committee Leader and fired Costa Mesa cashier. "I’m disappointed that the company has resorted to a potentially illegal and clearly immoral response to our union activity, and I’m proud of my coworkers for their resolve and strength as we support one another in this time."
It is clear that the company is attempting to bust our union, but it will not work," Ramos continued. This fight is not over, and we will be back.”
UFCW Local 324 is working with Mother’s Market workers to file Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging union retaliation.
The workers’ story has gathered significant attention online, with dozens of calls to @groceryCEO, Mother’s Market executive, to reinstate the suspended workers. Instead of addressing workers and allies complaints, Mother’s Market has been deleting online comments and has repeated refused workers’ requests for a meeting.
The mass firing comes as Mother’s Market is courting a buyer for the 12-store chain.
Formerly a local company, Mother’s Market was bought in 2016by Mill Road Capital. Mill Road is a private equity company based in Connecticut that raises capital from pension funds and other investors to buy and control businesses from groceries to fast casual restaurants.
Private equity has crept into nearly every facet of our economy. The grocery sector is no different. Leaders at UFCW know the “private equity playbook” well.
“Typically private equity companies sell companies they buy within 5-7 years and wind down investment funds in 10,” Hauserman said. “We believe a sale is overdue.”
Indeed, Mother’s Market workers observed potential buyers touring the Irvine and Costa Mesa locations in the past few days with Mother’s Market CEO Dorothy Carlow.
These types of sales introduce incredible uncertainty for workers - who aren’t guaranteed to retain their position in the event of a sale absent this type of ordinance.