Workers of Peet’s Coffee at the West Covell Boulevard location in Davis along with supporters rallied in front of the first Peet’s in the country to become part of a union. “No justice. No home,” the crowd chanted. “I love my job and the community and I didn’t want to give it up,” said employee Revad Tal and a number of the 15 employees who made up the service union. Staff International Federation 1021 spoke at the pep rally. They explained why they fight for fair wages, different schedules and company transparency. “It was a moment when I realized how greedy the company was — the audacity to give me 10 cents when they made $983 million in 2022 was shocking,” Tal said. Alex Land, shift leader, said inflation and the pandemic have made it difficult to live with the current wages Pete pays employees. Baristas have the support of the community and some elected leaders, who also spoke at the rally. “We will send a strong message to the administration and businesses that we will support the members of the Piet Union 110 percent,” said Yolo County Superintendent Ángel Barajas. Union leaders like SEIU Vice President Akbar Bibb said young workers will need their coffee to stay alert and keep fighting. He said it was just the beginning. “Courage, just say ‘Enough’ and stand up to the opposition and want better working conditions,” said Akbar Peet in a statement to KCRA 3 News Peet’s, which started in Berkeley in 1966. In another consequence, we respect the right of our employees at Davis to choose. Initially, two of our Davis locations petitioned to unionize. Last week, the union withdrew its petition to represent the downtown Davis coffee shop. Our North Davis location chose another path. And while we follow the legally required next steps with the union in North Davis, we will continue to work for and with our employees at the company level. This is the Peet method. Peet’s employees said they received advice and assistance from recently unionized Starbucks employees. Peet’s employees earn anywhere from $25,000 to $39,000 annually, depending on the job.
Workers of Peet’s Coffee at the West Covell Boulevard location in Davis along with supporters rallied in front of the first Peet’s in the country to become part of a union.
“No justice. No home,” the crowd chanted.
“I love my job and the community and I didn’t want to give it up,” said employee Revad Tal.
Tal and several of the fifteen employees who made up the union spoke with Service Employees International Union 1021 at the pep rally. They explained why they fight for fair wages, different schedules and company transparency.
“It was a moment when I realized how greedy the company was — the audacity to give me 10 cents when they made $983 million in 2022 was shocking,” Tal said.
Alex Land, the shift leader, said inflation and the pandemic have made it difficult to live with the current wages that Pitt pays employees.
The barista has the support of the community and some elected leaders, who also spoke at the rally.
“We will send a strong message to the administration and businesses that we will support the members of the Peet Union 110 percent,” said Yolo County Superintendent Ángel Barajas.
Union leaders like SEIU Vice President Akbar Bibb said young workers will need their coffee to stay alert and keep fighting. He said it was just the beginning.
“Be brave, just say ‘enough’, stand up to the opposition and want better working conditions,” said Akbar Babe.
In a statement to KCRA 3 News, Peet’s, which started in Berkeley in 1966, said:
“Peet has worked in good faith with all parties involved and hoped for another outcome, and we respect the right of our Davis employees to choose. Initially, two of our Davis locations petitioned to unionize. Last week, the union withdrew its petition to represent A coffee bar in downtown Davis. The North Davis location has chosen another path. While we pursue the legally required next steps with the union in North Davis, we will continue to work with our employees and with our employees at the company level. This is Peet’s path.”
Peet’s employees said they’ve received advice and help from recently unionized Starbucks employees. Peet’s employees earn anywhere from $25,000 to $39,000 annually, depending on the job.
“Devoted student. Bacon advocate. Beer scholar. Troublemaker. Falls down a lot. Typical coffee enthusiast.”