Quills baristas ratify 1st union contract in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Baristas at Quills Coffee in Louisville voted unanimously to ratify their first union contract Monday night.

According to a news release, the contract covers nearly 60 workers and takes effect immediately. The wage increase will start in the next pay period. Beyond wage increases, the contract also includes the elimination of wage caps, paid family leave and strengthened workplace protections.

"In 2007, I started Quills Coffee to make space for everyone, where 'coffee can build community,'" Nathan Quillo, founder and CEO of Quills Coffee, said in a news release. "I’m grateful for the baristas and their positive approach to organizing. I appreciate their spirit of collaboration and look forward to building a new coffee community focused on a quality experience for customers and employees."

The baristas are members of 32BJ SEIU. The union represents 250 workers at 17 Heine Brothers' and more than 70 workers at five Sunergos cafes.

The new union contract includes a 23% pay increases on starting salaries for lead baristas, a 15% increase for baristas' starting wages and a 3.3% increase for roasters, bakers and delivery drivers for their starting salaries. The contract also includes four weeks of paid family leave, improved holiday pay, improved breaks and more.

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