Workers at Compass Coffee initiated a union drive, backed by Workers United, petitioning the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for elections. As the union election approached, Compass Coffee’s management allegedly hired numerous new workers, including individuals with no prior shifts at the cafes, to potentially dilute the union vote. This move raised concerns among union supporters and labor experts. The list of eligible voters, submitted by Compass, included high-profile individuals like Jacob Tyner, general counsel for a U.S. Senator, and Graham McLaughlin, president of Snacklins, who claimed they never worked at Compass. CEO Michael Haft defended the new hires as necessary for seasonal demands and future growth, while denying the need for unions in high-turnover industries. The union plans to challenge voters who haven't worked shifts, and the NLRB will determine the final list of eligible voters just before the election. The situation underscores the complexities and potential manipulations in unionization efforts within small businesses.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.