On Feb. 14, workers at Blank Street Coffee in Brooklyn, N.Y., joined UFCW Local 1500 for the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract. Blank Street Coffee is the first coffee shop represented by UFCW Local 1500.
The 34 workers, who are employed as baristas, service pros, and shift leads, joined our union family because they were concerned about safety, maintenance and scheduling issues, as well as the lack of paid time off, scheduled raises, and a fair grievance process.
During the organizing campaign, UFCW Local 1500 organizers spoke to workers after their shifts, developed worker leaders, and guided workers to speak with each other about the union. Organizers also hosted group meetings and developed a social media campaign to further engage these workers.
“I moved to unionize my workplace so that my job could be the best version of itself it could be,” said one of the workers. “UFCW Local 1500 helps me feel more optimistic about my financial and mental stability as a Blank Street employee going forward.”