The Arizona Republic
Op-ed by Reverend Jarrett Maupin
In the course of my advocacy for working-class families, I have found that at the heart of most discord is a corporate entity working greedily to put its bottom line before the interests of its employees. When I first heard about WinCo’s proposal to locate in Surprise, I wrongfully assumed it operated using this alltoo- prevalent model. At the special session held by Surprise City Council on Nov. 19, I spoke out against WinCo based on this misconception.
Subsequent research has proved me wrong. A deeper look reveals that WinCo will be a winner for Surprise.
I have discovered that WinCo offers employees higher pay and better benefits than any of its competitors, as well as unmatched ownership opportunities. Its stock ownership program gives all employees 19 years of age or older with 1,000 hours or more on the job an opportunity to own a piece of the business.
The concept is simple: When you have an ownership interest, you are more motivated and can make more money.
WinCo provides health-care benefits to employees that exceed those held by local unionized workers, and their plan costs are lower.
With workers at the stockholders’ table, collective bargaining takes on a different meaning. It is a relief to find WinCo’s employees looking out for each other and united in setting policies that recognize the dignity and value of every worker.
I am proud to publicly change my position to support WinCo, based on the assessment of labor leaders. 
Kenneth Quinnell, a senior writer/researcher for the AFL-CIO told the International Business Times, “ WinCo’s higher wages and benefits have led to low turnover.”
He shared that WinCo employees remain with the company, on average, more than eight years. Moreover, Win-Co’s employees are free to unionize but don’t, likely because their compensation exceeds union-contract standards.
I preach that job stability is the key to financial security and that fairness ought to take precedent over great corporate fortunes. I am humbled to find that WinCo is practicing what I preach.
WinCo represents potential careers opportunities that will sustain families.
With WinCo, Surprise has a tremendous prospect for economic development and job creation. I encourage the city of Surprise to allow the approved WinCo Food Store to move forward and build on the vacant commercial lot on the southwestern corner of Bell Road and the Loop 303.
Everyone wins with WinCo!
The Rev. Jarrett Maupin is president of the Phoenix-based Progressive Christian Coalition.
