After three months of negotiations, workers approve first union contract
voted unanimously to approve their first contract. The agreement comes after three months of bargaining with the company. Over 100 workers at the cafes joined UFCW Local 328 in June 2022, with the goal of creating more equitable and sustainable futures at the cafes where they enjoy serving their communities.
The agreement, which marks the first of its kind for retail cafe workers in
Rhode Island, contains major victories including:
-
Immediate wage increases for all employees of between
$2.00/hr. to $4.00/hr., with an average initial increase of $3.72/hr.
-
Additional wage increases averaging 7.3% and 7% in 2023
and 2024
-
Increase in classification base rates by $6.00/hr. over
three years
-
Longevity wage increases for long-term employees
-
Guaranteed minimum hours for both full-time and
part-time employees
-
Improved paid vacations for full-time and part-time
employees
-
Improvement in holiday premium pay for all employees
-
Company matched retirement benefit of up to 4% for all
employees
-
Guaranteed weekly pay
(was previously bi-weekly)
-
Improvement in bereavement pay for all employees
-
Robust grievance procedure and workplace protections
-
Elimination of the company’s on-call day
-
Reimbursement benefit for no-slip shoes
Seven Stars employees displayed tremendous solidarity throughout the bargaining process and received overwhelming support from their communities and customers. In December, workers received over 600 signatures of support from customers in support of securing a fair agreement.
Charlie Saperstein, a barista at the Point St. location, said
after the vote, “This contract
victory shows, above all else, that workers have power! We have a real stake in
this company and we are glad that will be recognized in our new contract. I am
so proud of all of my coworkers for sticking together through this whole
process — here’s to a better Seven Stars!”
Stephanie Walker, a keyholder at the Cranston location, stated, “I’m so proud of what we have accomplished and so grateful for the support of our community. I’m excited for how this first contract benefits everyone at my workplace!”
Chris Sullivan, a keyholder at the Rumford location, shared, “The solidarity
that I felt during this endeavor was nothing short of incredible. Being a part
of a larger movement was humbling and exciting all at once. We were floored by
the support of our respective communities that we are lucky to serve each day.
My favorite part of my job is interacting with the public, getting to know them
on a personal level, and hoping to bring something more than just a cup of
coffee. I'm excited that we're going to be able to continue doing just that.”
Timothy Melia, President of UFCW Local 328, added, “I am so proud of the workers at
Seven Stars. They have demonstrated true
union solidarity in forming their union and sticking together during these
negotiations. And because of that
strength and commitment, they now have a contract that is an example for all
workers across the country of what can happen when you stick together.”
UFCW Local 328 and the employees of Seven Stars extend their gratitude to
the community for all of their support. This agreement respects and values the
hard work by Seven Stars workers and the bonds they form with customers each
day. We encourage everyone to visit their local Seven Stars café to
congratulate the workers and celebrate this achievement!
