Baristas at Quills Coffee voted unanimously to ratify their first union contract. With 32 votes in favor, Quills baristas secured historic wage increases, the elimination of wage caps, paid family leave, and better workplace protections. The contract will cover nearly 60 workers and is effective immediately. Wage increases will begin in the next pay period.
After voting, the baristas, now members of 32BJ SEIU, held a press conference at the Firehouse Quills in NULU. They were joined by Louisville City Councilmember JP Lyninger.
“I believe that every worker deserves a union,” said Councilmember Lyninger said during the conference. “I am so proud that you guys have your union, you’ve got your contract. You guys really inspire me.”
The Quills contract is a major milestone in coffee worker organizing citywide. 32BJ SEIU also represents 250 workers for Heine Brothers’ and 70 workers for Sunergos. SEIU made a broad commitment to build worker power across the Southern states.
“As more and more places unionize, we will prove that it is worth standing up for yourself and your community,” said Joel Wafford, Quills barista and 32BJ bargaining committee member, in a release.
“In 2007, I started Quills Coffee to make space for everyone, where ‘coffee can build community,’” said Nathan Quillo, Founder/CEO of Quills Coffee, in a release. “Today, 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.”
“We congratulate the bargaining committee for their dedication, unity, and determination to win a strong first contract,” said Robert Smith, Kentucky State Director of 32BJ SEIU in the release. “We also thank Quills for bargaining in good faith and recognizing the value these workers bring every day. Agreements like this show what’s possible when workers have a voice, and employers are willing to listen.”
What’s included in the new contracts? (courtesy of SEIU)
- Historic Wage Gains & End to Wage Caps
- Lead baristas: 23% increase—from $11 to $13.50 in starting wages, with additional seniority increases to $16 an hour in year 2
- Baristas: 15% increase—from $10 to $11.50 in starting wages, with additional seniority increases to $14 an hour in year 2
- Roasters/Bakers/Delivery Drivers: 3.3% increase—from $15 to $15.50 in starting wages, with additional seniority increases to $18 an hour in year 2
- Four Weeks of Paid Family Leave – a first for Quills employees
- Improved Holiday Pay:
- 3 fully paid, closed-shop holidays for all staff
- 6 additional closed holidays for roastery workers
- Time-and-a-half for baristas who work during holidays
- Bereavement Leave: Up to 3 paid shifts for full-time workers, 1 paid shift for part-time workers.
- Minimum Staffing & Fair Scheduling:
- Peak-hour staffing guarantees
- Seniority-based scheduling
- Guaranteed 2 opening shifts weekly for full-time baristas
- Daily Overtime Pay at 1.5× for over 8 hours/day
- Emergency Shift Protection for closures due to mechanical, staffing, or health emergencies
- Improved Breaks: 30-minute paid break added to 15-minute paid break
- Expanded Leave Options: Personal, medical, and union leave
- Union Orientation for New Hires
- Neutrality Agreement for any future or out-of-state Quills locations
