If they are getting paid and not working, they might as well be union.
However, all employees (both hourly and salaried) are pretty much 100% united on this and even when unions offered to lend a helping hand, they were summarily rejected.
Frankly speaking, the employees have the BOD pinned in a corner. Not only are the employees basically shutting off the revenue flow but they have somehow united the customer base behind them as well. I have personally witnessed shoppers walking up to the doors, speaking with the employees, and then walking away after signing a petition pledging not to shop there again until the old CEO is re-instated. This is absolutely unprecedented.
Again, the employees are not looking for a pay increase nor increased benefits. They are paid in line with what most supermarkets employees in the industry earn so they are not asking to be compensated more than what they are worth.
This is a case that will be taught in business schools for years to come.