We have your back, Colectivo workers
Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
The City of Milwaukee has been known around the world for many important and great things, and one of those is the city’s historic importance in the formation of unions and workers’ rights. For it was at the Milwaukee Iron Co. rolling mill in Bay View where, in May 1886, a major labor disturbance occurred. Nearly 1,500 striking workers from around Milwaukee marched on the mill to demand an eight-hour work day. Members of the local militia, called to the mill by Governor Jeremiah Rusk, fired on the crowd, killing seven people.
We are supportive of the partnership of the employees of Colectivo Coffee Roasters with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 494. Employees of Colectivo are demanding the right to form a union in order to seek changes in working conditions and help make their voices heard. We are hopeful that Colectivo – one of the thousands of vibrant and important businesses in Milwaukee – will listen to the workers and not take retaliatory action against them.
Also, we thank our colleague Alderman Khalif Rainey for taking the lead and issuing his earlier statement in support of the Colectivo workers’ efforts.
Milwaukee supports businesses and the workers who make those businesses operate and succeed.
More about the Union Effort at Colectivo
- IBEW Local 494 Statement on Colectivo’s Union-Busting Meetings - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 - Feb 17th, 2021
- Colectivo Workers Petition for Union Election - Graham Kilmer - Feb 16th, 2021
- Colectivo Closes Prospect Avenue Cafe - Graham Kilmer - Jan 18th, 2021
- Murphy’s Law: Local Unions Confront The Wealthy - Bruce Murphy - Nov 30th, 2020
- Colectivo Union Pushes ‘Reverse Boycott’ - Graham Kilmer - Nov 25th, 2020
- Did Colectivo Hire Union Busters? - Graham Kilmer - Oct 8th, 2020
- Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement on workers organizing at Colectivo: - Mayor Tom Barrett - Oct 2nd, 2020
- County Supervisors Express Support for Colectivo Workers Union - Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors - Sep 25th, 2020
- We have your back, Colectivo workers - Milwaukee Common Council - Sep 22nd, 2020
- Colectivo workers deserve a platform to have their voices heard - Ald. Khalif Rainey - Sep 21st, 2020
Read more about Union Effort at Colectivo here
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I like Colectivo coffee. I am comfortable in many of their coffee shops. The staff in those places seem to me to be routinely warm and professional. I hope that the owners of Colectivo award their workers the right to form a union,