Posts Categorized: Organizing

On April 2, workers at the Barnes & Noble store in North Haven, Conn., joined UFCW Local 919 for a voice in the workplace. This new unit in Connecticut marks the 10th Barnes & Noble organizing win for our union since 2023.

The 15 workers, who are employed as baristas and booksellers, joined our union because of concerns about workplace safety, and insufficient pay and staffing. The campaign to organize these workers included conversations with their colleagues at Barnes & Noble stores in New York City, who are members of the RWDSU/UFCW, and recently became the first Barnes & Noble workers in the country to ratify union contracts. The workers were also influenced by their colleagues at the Barnes & Noble store in Hadley, Mass., who voted to join UFCW Local 1459.

The North Haven Barnes & Noble workers are pleased to be a part of our union and looking forward to negotiating a first union contract that addresses their workplace issues.

“It’s nice to finally have someone in your corner that knows you deserve better, instead of screaming into the corporate void,” said Akili Marshall.

“For a long time, me and my co-workers have felt like we didn’t have a voice at our job,” said Ian Hugo. “Now, with a union—we do—and it feels great.”

“Workplace safety is one of my biggest passions,” said Isabella Pagan. “Now, it’s comforting to know my concerns will no longer go unheard.”

“I’m so proud of all the work everyone has put into this process, and I’m really excited for us to negotiate a better future for ourselves,” said Adam Adorney.

On March 24, workers at Equator Coffees in Los Angeles joined UFCW Local 770 for a better life.

The workers, who are employed as baristas, shift leads, and prep cooks, joined our union because they were concerned about insufficient pay and scheduling and wanted a voice in the workplace. The campaign to organize these workers included in-person meetings about the benefits of belonging to a union, including around the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract.

The workers are happy to be a part of our union and looking forward to negotiating their first union contract.

“Our win is not only a contract, but a testimony on when you and your colleagues stand in solidarity with the power of collective passion,” said Richard Urquidez. “This victory is the first sip of the fairer future where we look forward to working with dignity and respect.”

“In winning this election, my hope is that it ignites a fire within the coffee community,” said Chloe Manus. “Before the UFCW, the idea of unionization seemed impossible. I knew that my co-workers and I deserved more than what was being ‘offered’ to us by our company. We understand the fight never ends, but this is where it begins. Laborers are the backbone of society and without us the world would stop. I refuse to let the corrupt corporate agenda slowly destroy the working class. Unionize workers now!”

“Upon the win of our union election, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my co-workers as we come together to address our needs for steady hours, work meals, and a livable wage,” said Nicole Territo. “This victory is a step toward a stronger, more supportive workplace, and I’m looking forward to working together to make meaningful changes for all of us. Let’s elevate the specialty coffee narrative from social justice buzzwords to bold actions that honor both coffee quality and the fight for justice.”

“True social justice requires tangible improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions, and that workers ourselves must be empowered to advocate for these improvements,” said Chevy Evangelista.