"Employees at the Chestnut Hill shop joined colleagues at other nearby locations to establish an independent union, citing low pay, lack of agency over cafe operations, and perceived disdain from leadership. Reported workplace issues include insufficient training, high manager turnover, supervisors’ apathetic responses to staff concerns, and building problems like leaks as well as harassment allegations. The group deliberately organized independently to preserve direct democratic control over bargaining and finances, asked management for voluntary recognition to begin contract talks, and plan to move to an NLRB vote if recognition is withheld." - Erika Adams