On Wednesday, staff at Little Dog coffee shop in Brunswick voted unanimously to form a union with Workers United.
"I am elated and kind of in disbelief," said Jess Czarnecki, a barista who led the unionization effort, told the Portland Press Herald. "But we won. It was a full yes (vote)."
The employees say they want a stronger voice to address food safety issues and high staff turnover rates and a lack o proper training, communication, transparency and respect toward long-term employees.
Little Dog owner Larry Flaherty told the Press Herald that he will bargain with the union on a new contract.
“I’m not surprised by the outcome. I kind of knew that was the way people wanted to move,” Flaherty said.
The union drive has been marked by complaints of employer intimidation and retaliation. Last month Little Dog workers filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the owner, Flaherty Retail of Maine, engaged in unfair labor practices by firing two employees who support the union. The complaint is still pending review.
Congratulations and welcome to the labor movement, brothers, sisters & siblings!