Posts Categorized: Negotiations

On Sept. 16, over 50 members of UFCW Local 1776KS who work at five Coffee Tree Roasters shops in Pittsburgh ratified a first union contract that increases wages and improves benefits. These workers joined our union family in February.

The three-year contract includes wage increases and parity. The contract also includes seniority rights, guaranteed hours and scheduling changes, a grievance procedure, an overtime provision, a trainer premium, and a 401(k) savings plan.

“These workers fought for this important win. They were heavily involved in the bargaining process, identifying key elements of a contract that they felt they deserved,” said UFCW Local 1776KS President Wendell Young IV. “Bargaining Committee members Jordy Vargas and Olivia Sieff especially deserve a shout out for their commitment throughout this entire process.”

“Not only is this a huge win for us with the increase in wages and electronic tips, but I know many of us will feel much more comfortable at work knowing that we have protections in place,” said Vargas. “I’m so proud of the work we did and hope that we continue to see more union campaigns in the service industry. We want everyone to know it’s possible to unionize your workplace.”

“Not only is this a huge win for these workers, but it is also a groundbreaking day for all workers in the retail and service sector,” Young added. “This is our local’s first coffee shop win, but it will not be our last. We look forward to building on this vote.”

More than 80 members of UFCW Local 5 who work at Imperfect Foods in San Francisco recently ratified a first contract that strengthens wages and benefits.

The one-year contract includes wage increases averaging 5 percent, an additional paid holiday, guaranteed hours, employer-sponsored health care and an end to mandatory overtime. The contract also includes the establishment of a health and safety committee and for the first time, establishes a just-cause discipline standard backed by a grievance and arbitration process.

The workers joined our union family in April of 2021, responding to increased workloads, unsafe working conditions, rising employee health plan costs, and a lack of job security. In spite of the usual delay tactics employed by the company, a strong worker organizing and bargaining committee kept their co-workers informed and together to achieve the final outcome.

“While I am one of the newer workers at the San Francisco location, I believe that the new contract is a really good deal in that it finally recognizes the contributions made by my longer-term co-workers,” said Fay Woods.

Woods sees the establishment of health and safety standards as one of the most important results of the settlement.

“As the only woman on the jobsite, I plan to participate on the new safety committee, as well as being involved in every available opportunity for union involvement,” she said.