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  • Employees at Coffee Tree Roasters Ratify First Contract
    Posted On: Sep 19, 2022
    Bargaining Committee member Jordy Vargas speaking at a press conference back in January before voting to unionize.

    PITTSBURGH (September 19, 2022) – UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV announced today that the workers at The Coffee Tree Roasters have voted by an overwhelming margin to ratify their first contract.


    “These workers fought for this important win. They were heavily involved in the bargaining process, identifying key elements of a contract that they felt they deserved,” Young said. 

     

    “Bargaining Committee members Jordy Vargas and Olivia Sieff, especially, deserve a shout out for their commitment throughout this entire process.”

     

    Jordy Vargas explains what this win means for him and his co-workers.

     

    “Not only is this a huge win for us with the increase in wages and electronic tips, but I know many of us will feel much more comfortable at work knowing that we have protections in place. I’m so proud of the work we did, I hope that we continue to see more union campaigns in the service industry, we want everyone to know it’s possible to Unionize your workplace,” said Vargas.

     

    The Bargaining Committee’s work led to critical improvements to the three-year contract, including seniority rights, guaranteed hours and scheduling changes, wage increases and parity, a grievance procedure,  overtime provision, trainer premium and a 401k savings plan.

    Young noted that Coffee Tree Roasters is one of the first coffee shops in Pennsylvania to unionize. 

     

    “Not only is this a huge win for these workers, but it is also a groundbreaking day for all workers in the retail and service sector. This is our Local’s first coffee shop win, but it will not be our last. We look forward to building on this vote,” said Young.