Smalls Cafe Workers in Portland Win their Union

PHOTO: Jamie, a cook at Smalls, holds a Retail Clerks Union sign on Thursday.

Workers at Smalls, a cafe in Portland's West End, organized their union and won voluntary recognition this week. The staff union is comprised of eight baristas, bartenders, and cooks. After organizing their union with New England Joint Board UNITE HERE, the workers presented the cafe owner, Samantha Knopf, with a formal letter announcing their intent to form the union. Knopf recognized the union on Wednesday.

"We’re so happy to have received voluntary recognition from our boss, Sam Knopf. We want to thank everyone who sent a letter and kind words along asking for this recognition," the workers said in a statement. "If you have a moment to thank Sam for making the right choice and voluntarily recognizing our union, that would be appreciated. With this step in the right direction we are extremely hopeful for negotiations when that time comes. We look forward to continued and growing support from our community."

Smalls has been a popular West End spot since its opening in 2022. The cafe is known for being a welcoming and inclusive space that supports progressive causes. However, the workers say they struggle to afford the rising costs of housing, health care, and basic necessities on the wages they earn. Inspired by the success of local restaurant workers who organized unions at Công Tử Bột, Coffee By Design, and Starbucks, the workers at Smalls chose to form a union to raise wages.

We know that Portland’s economy is built on our hard work and the work of thousands of others like us. We’ve built this city, we should be paid enough to afford to live where we work,” said bartender Robyn E, one of the One Small Union members.  “I love my job, bartending brings me so much joy, but I need to be paid and treated in such a way that makes it sustainable for me and my community.”  

On Thursday, customers turned out for a Solidarity "Sip-In" to show their support for the workers. If you're in Portland, check out Smalls Cafe at 28 Brackett Street! For a menu and more information visit Smalls' website.

Congratulations to our new union siblings! Give the new One Small Union a follow on Instagram!