Workers at a D.C. coffeehouse chain have accused the firm of trying to sabotage an upcoming vote on forming a union by hiring more than 100 new baristas.
The group trying to unionize Compass Coffee workers accused the company last week of union-busting after announcing it would add 124 workers. According to the workers, that constitutes a 190% increase in Compass Coffee staff.
“Our election is July 16. Compass Coffee has proven they will do whatever they need to stop this from happening. Breaking the law, calling in favors from friends, adding customers and partnerships to their list of baristas in order to stop this union,” Compass Coffee United posted on X.
According to Compass Coffee United, the company has manipulated worker schedules to make the new hires eligible for the union election and has flooded cafes with new and inexperienced employees.
Additionally, the company’s new hires raised eyebrows because of their previous work experience. Some were managers with Union Kitchen, which recently removed its workers union.
Compass Coffee United says that it intends to file an unfair labor practices complaint against the company with the National Labor Relations Board.
Compass Coffee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Seven of the 18 Compass Coffee locations in the D.C. area will hold union elections next month after announcing plans to unionize in May 2024. The organizing campaign began about a year ago, when workers complained about unsafe working conditions and the removal of tips for employees.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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