Workers at the Common Ground Cafe Co-op in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood joined UFCW Local 27 on Dec. 18.
This organizing win is the result of a two-year effort by the workers to gain better wages, benefits, and workplace protections. In December 2022, the workers launched their union drive under the banner “Common Ground Workers United,” advocating for fair wages, benefits, and protections against workplace discrimination. Despite their efforts, the cafe’s owner abruptly shut down operations in July 2023, firing the entire staff with less than 12 hours’ notice in retaliation against their unionization efforts.
Undeterred, the workers swiftly organized mutual aid efforts and rallied community support to reclaim the cafe. Within two months, the 19 original staff members reopened Common Ground Cafe as a worker-owned cooperative. Through democratic decision-making, they achieved many of the original union demands, proving the power of worker solidarity.
Recognizing the importance of union affiliation for long-term workplace benefits, protections, and political power, the workers remained in conversations with UFCW Local 27. On Dec. 18, Common Ground Workers United voted to affiliate with UFCW Local 27, joining nearly 17,000 members of the Maryland-based union. Region 2 International Representative Tiffany Beroid also worked on this campaign and helped the workers achieve this success.
“This is an extraordinary example of what happens when workers come together and demand better for themselves, their co-workers, and their communities,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “The workers of Common Ground Cafe have shown incredible determination, turning adversity into opportunity. By affiliating with UFCW Local 27, they are not just improving their workplace, but setting an inspiring precedent for others in the service industry. We are proud to welcome them into our union family.”