Coffee By Design, an independently owned coffee shop in Portland, Maine, has become the first in the state to sign a collective bargaining agreement with its baristas. This groundbreaking move was facilitated by Local 327 of the Laborers International Union of North America, marking a significant advancement in labor rights for the industry. The agreement, which took six months of negotiations, includes a wage increase and the establishment of a labor-management committee. The contract is set for one year, providing a foundation for future long-term negotiations. The local union, which represents nearly 400 workers in various sectors, played a crucial role in this achievement. This development could inspire similar actions in other coffee shops and industries, reflecting a growing trend towards unionization in traditionally non-unionized sectors.
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