Workers at several popular DC restaurants are seeking to unionize for better pay and working conditions
Washington DC: Employees at some of the city’s top restaurants are making moves to unionize. They want better pay, more stable hours, and respect from management. This week, workers from five restaurants owned by two major restaurateurs announced their plans.
At Le Diplomate, staff celebrated after telling their managers about their union intentions. Workers like Pablo Zuniga, a server there, shared concerns about unfair treatment and cultural insensitivity. He believes a union could help ensure respect for everyone, regardless of their background.
Neither of the restaurant groups has said if they will recognize the unions. A representative from Starr Restaurants acknowledged the hard work of their staff but didn’t address specific complaints. Meanwhile, Ashok Bajaj’s group has not commented at all.
Paul Schwalb from Unite Here Local 25 mentioned that interest in unionizing has grown among workers, especially after the pandemic. He noted that this level of collective action among restaurant workers in DC is unprecedented. If successful, the unions could represent around 500 workers, many of whom are immigrants.
Workers are also sharing personal stories about their struggles. For instance, Lorena Carrillo López, a line cook, faced a tough situation when her daughter was in a car accident. She was initially told she couldn’t leave work until hours later, which she found unacceptable.
Others, like Yesenia Delgado, have experienced anxiety over unpredictable schedules. After her hours were cut, she faced panic attacks that landed her in the hospital. She believes that coming together as a group will give them a stronger voice.
At Bajaj’s restaurants, changes in pay structures have also sparked discontent. Bartender Juan Zavala said his earnings have dropped significantly under a new service charge model. He’s even had to pick up extra work driving for Uber to make ends meet.
Zavala and his colleagues have also felt disrespected by management, especially when language barriers come into play. He’s seen firsthand how non-English speakers are treated poorly, which adds to their desire to unionize.
For many, like Carlos Acosta, the unionization effort represents hope for better healthcare options. He’s optimistic that this movement will lead to significant improvements in their working conditions.
What happens next? The restaurants could choose to recognize the unions voluntarily, or a vote could be held. If a majority of workers vote in favor, the restaurants will have to negotiate a contract in good faith.
Schwalb believes this could inspire more restaurant workers in DC to seek union representation, marking a significant shift in the hospitality industry.
