not receive pay for the duration of level 3 restrictions when the stores were unable to open, prompting negotiations between Lush and First Union New Zealand. Lush were ineligible for the government wage subsidy for staff, as their revenues had not decreased enough during this period. Beginning in 2020, Lush North America faced criticism for union busting and poor working conditions. In September 2020, Lush workers in Toronto launched a campaign to unionise. Employees complained about having their voices stifled by the company; facing retaliation for speaking out; having pay well below a living wage; and unfairly barring some employees from stability and benefits by abusing the company's seasonal contract policies. In response, Lush handed out anti-union leaflets, held captive audience meetings, and allegedly targeted union organizers. This is in contrast to the company's ethical buying policy, which states the importance of collective bargaining. Workers United Canada Council, the union representing Lush Workers, filed charges against the company in both the United States and Canada. The charges allege that the company's actions in response to the union organizing drive, as well as retaliation against individual employees was unlawful. Lush North America was officially acquired by Lush UK in 2021, but these issues remain unchanged. See also List of vegetarian and vegan companies References External links Official website Animal welfare organisations based in the United Kingdom Beauty stores Companies based in Poole Cosmetics companies of the United Kingdom English brands Retail companies established in 1995 Vegetarian companies and establishments of the United Kingdom Privately held companies of the United Kingdom