The popular coffee chain continues to expand, now with over 20 locations in Southern California and beyond. This includes opening recent branches in Arizona.
SAN DIEGO — Workers at Better Buzz Coffee in Hillcrest are officially members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 union.
Better Buzz is one of the largest local coffee chains in San Diego County and continues to grow. There are more than 20 locations in Southern California, and recent locations are opening in Arizona.
In April, employees submitted a request to start the process. Baristas, trainers and shift managers called for better wages and working conditions as the cost of living continues to rise in San Diego.
A statement sent Friday by UFCW Local 135 officials called the vote an “essential victory.”
“This victory for workers is the culmination of the determined efforts of workers who have organized under the name Better Buzz United,” the statement read. “Employees cited concerns about wages, benefits, scheduling and overall workplace safety as their primary reasons for seeking union representation.”
Barista Katy Waldman says it wasn’t basic to get here.
“It was a tough fight, but I am so proud of our colleagues for standing up for what they believe in,” she said. “Life is better in relationships!”
Union organizers say Hillcrest is the first place they have united, but they plan to expand the movement to other branches.
“Never underestimate the power a group of workers wield when they fight for what they deserve,” said Andres Pinzon, lead organizer of UFCW Local 135. “This is a victory not only for them, but for baristas and workers around the world. I’m proud of the Hillcrest team for their leadership!”
Last month, CBS 8 spoke with Waldman and baristas Jackson Ducksworth and Ben Leighton.
Leighton stated that they love their customers and co-workers, but do not feel the same from their managers.
“We are not treated by management the way we deserve,” Leighton said. We feel we are ignored.
Waldman said in April they are also fighting for more predictable hours and scheduling.
“We have nothing,” she said. “We are paid minimum wage, have no benefits, and only have as much time off as required by the state of California.”
The effort follows a recent boost in the minimum wage for quick food workers in California. Baristas currently earn the city of San Diego’s minimum wage of $16.85 an hour.
Waldman believes this is not enough to survive in one of the most steep cities in the country.
“No one, not even a full-time job – which Better Buzz doesn’t get – can even pay for a one-bedroom apartment at that salary.”
For more information about Better Buzz’s union efforts, visit Better Buzz United on Instagram. The next step is to work on a tender agreement to present Better Buzz to management.
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