Employees of the landmark original Ben & Jerry’s unit in Burlington, Vt., have alerted management that they intend to form a union backed by the same group that announced the organization on Monday of a 300th Starbucks store.
Twenty-five “scoopers,” “cakers” and other staff members signed the heads-up that they intend to ask the National Labor Relations Board for clearance to form a union called Scoopers United. It would be an affiliate of Starbucks Workers United, which receives funding from the Service Employees International Union, the nation’s second largest labor group.
“Our goal in this action is to create a better-working and equal partnership between our community and yours,” reads the letter that was sent to management. “Conjoining the two will generate a sustainable and fair collaboration in which all Ben and Jerry’s employees and affiliates have the chance to advocate for and maintain their rights.”
The message echoes the language that early advocates of Starbucks’ unionization used when they commenced their drive. There was no mention of an interest in spreading the organizing efforts to other Ben & Jerry’s stores.
"The organizers just presented the company with this last night," a spokesperson said in response to a request for comment from Restaurant Business. "It’s an important issue to us, we’re aware of it, and we’re actively working on it."
Once virtually union-free, the chain restaurant sector is now seeing a significant increase in organizing efforts. In addition to the 300 Starbucks stores, labor has succeeded in organizing one Chipotle unit, five Burgerville fast-food restaurants and more than a half-dozen regional coffee chain.
Ben & Jerry’s has about 600 ice cream stores in the U.S. Its motto is, "Peace, love & ice cream."
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