“Unfortunately, the progressive façade that Willy Street Food Co-op puts forward is just an image for the community,” reads the letter.

One employee, writing on another Facebook page, this one opposing the union, called the letter “incredibly manipulative.”

“I used to be incredibly supportive of the idea of unionization,” writes the employee. ”Then I was less sure, but still thought 'What can voting yes hurt? Why not see what kind of contract they can come up with?' And now I am vehemently opposed. Not because of Co-Op management. Not because I feel intimidated or fear repercussions. I do not trust the union representatives.”

Lawler, an eastside produce worker who started the Facebook page opposing the union, and others said the union has misled employees. He said UFCW representatives weeks ago distributed cards they referred to as an “expression of interest,” but in reality they were cards that could be collected and used in a certification process as an alternative to a secret-ballot vote. If the union collected the signed cards from more than 50 percent of the workers, the union would be certified to negotiate a contract.

UFCW didn’t return requests for comment. Nor did a Willy Street spokesman.