On April 11, workers at Partners Coffee in Brooklyn, N.Y., joined UFCW Local 1500 for the fair wages and other benefits that come with a union contract. This organizing win marks the second coffee shop brand to unionize with UFCW Local 1500, which also represents workers at 19 Blank Street Coffee locations throughout New York City.
The 27 workers, who are employed in the production warehouse, café, and kitchen at Partners Coffee, joined our union family because they wanted better working conditions and a voice in the workplace. They were also concerned about unsafe working conditions, including unventilated rooms, as well as inadequate training and equipment.
With support from UFCW Local 1500 organizers, Partners Coffee employees took the lead in organizing themselves. Organizers guided them by speaking with workers after their shifts, helping to develop worker leaders, and encouraging discussions about our union. The effort included hosting group meetings and running a social media campaign on their @PartnersCoffeeUnion Instagram account to further involve the employees.
The workers of Partners Coffee Union are dedicated to creating a sustainable and collective work environment and are equally committed to collaborating with management to address concerns and improve working conditions for all employees.
“Winning our union election shows that we really do have collective power! As a unit, we are strong and can stand up to achieve what we need, which will be important when it comes time to bargain for our contract,” said Alex Thompson, who works at the Partners Coffee shop in Brooklyn. “We hope that our win can also inspire other Partners locations in their fight to organize.”
