Who We Are

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Comrades in Coffee is a group of baristas and cooks on strike against the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, joining industry colleagues across the country in a growing movement towards workplace unionization. Baristas, cooks and food service workers have historically been treated unfairly on the job. And it’s time our voices are heard.

Why We’re On Strike

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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to provide great service, despite many challenges while doing essential work. We take pride in our work and want our jobs at Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company and across our industry to be good ones with decent wages and benefits, safer working conditions and fair treatment.

We believe that the best way to advocate for ourselves and ensure our demands are met is to form a union, get a contract, and have a REAL seat at the table. That’s why we want to join UNITE HERE Local 24 – a union representing thousands of hospitality workers across Metro Detroit. In addition to union recognition, here’s some of what we’re asking the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company:

• PPE like masks and clear COVID protocols
• Starting wage of at least $15 per hour and fair tip distribution
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination protections
• Affordable health, dental and vision insurance
• Stable and predictable scheduling
• Paid time off, including paid sick days and parental leave
• A more open line of communication from management to staff

We stand on strike to demand union recognition and a fair contract that meets these demands.

We stand in solidarity with other workers across the hospitality industry in the fight for good jobs that strengthen our communities.