Self-organizing a union on a shoestring? Winning the supposedly unwinnable? Workers at a local burger chain out of Portland, Oregon, were doing it before it was cool. The Burgerville Workers Union, which went public in 2016 and won its first contract in 2021, has recently been influencing and supporting independent union efforts in the region and it has a few lessons to offer
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Wanting something to look forward to in the new year? Do yourself a favor and snag a few tickets to the Mercury's UNDISPUTABLE GENIUSES OF COMEDY, featuring the best.
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! I hope you had a restful weekend. Today brings highs in the mid-40s and the "possibility" of snow flurries. Bundle up, and look out for those who are living.
Workers at New Seasons' Slabtown store voted 62-14 to unionize Thursday, making them the second shop to join the burgeoning New Seasons Labor Union (NSLU). Employees at the Slabtown store at NW Raleigh St. and 22nd Ave. first filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in August. At the time, staff told the Mercury they wanted to push for higher wages, a better work environment, and more input on staff.