Employees at a Starbucks in New Orleans have recently filed for union certification. This marks a significant change for workers, becoming the first of the coffee giant’s chains in Louisiana to officially unionize. The decision was made final after an 11-1 vote this weekend, as 11 of the store’s 16 baristas signed the petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board, according to Eater.
“I feel amazing,” barista Caitlyn Pierce told 6Park News. “This is something we worked really hard for and it’s great to finally get here.” Billie Nyx, who organized the union campaign without top management’s permission, told the outlet that she feels “really amazing,” following the final tally.“I feel really amazing right now,” Nyx said. “Regardless, it just solidifies that every time I go back to my job … I’ll go back to a unionized store and I’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.” The now-unionized employees will be to negotiate their employment contracts and create the best working agreement for both parties.