Recognize and bargain with the Bay Area BBIU!
Karl Strovink, CEO Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle baristas in the Bay Area are unionizing because Nestlé-owned Blue Bottle Coffee does not pay us enough to meet our basic needs, does not allow us any input into cafe operations, and shows continuous disdain for us as workers. As baristas we are the face of the company and produce all of the value for Blue Bottle, yet could not afford a drink if we didn’t work here. Many of us struggle to make ends meet because we are not paid a living wage.
In Boston, Blue Bottle baristas see 46% of their income going towards rent, with roughly a third of baristas paying over 60% of their income toward their rent! Roughly a quarter of baristas surveyed in March 2025 utilize SNAP/EBT benefits, with the majority of surveyed baristas likely being eligible.
For the same reasons, baristas in California are unionizing so that Blue Bottle will bargain with us in good faith over these issues. We are giving notice to Blue Bottle of our unionization and seeking voluntary recognition by 12pm (noon) PST Friday, June 20.
The last time our union requested voluntary recognition from Blue Bottle and they did not recognize our union, we walked out. We hope that this time Blue Bottle will voluntarily recognize these stores as a part of our union.
We are asking our community supporters to sign this petition and demonstrate their support for the BBIU as even more Blue Bottle baristas say “enough!” and join us in demanding dignity and control of our workplace.
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To:
Karl Strovink, CEO Blue Bottle Coffee
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Karl,
I am writing to you today to urge you to voluntarily recognize the four Bay Area locations as part of the Blue Bottle Independent Union (BBIU).
Baristas at Blue Bottle struggle to make ends meet, face constant harassment by management and customers, and have no substantial control over café operations. Blue Bottle baristas need a living wage, protections from harassment, and a union which will bring democracy to their workplaces.
For a company which claims to be the “undisputed leader in specialty coffee,” Blue Bottle is failing to lead the industry in labor standards. Baristas at Blue Bottle suffer from rent burden as a result of the company’s decision to operate in some of the most expensive cities in the country. Baristas at Blue Bottle suffer from a hostile work environment created by customers who make inappropriate advances and management which unevenly enforces petty rules. Baristas at Blue Bottle suffer from this Nestlé owned company constantly showing disdain for the labor they provide!
As a [customer/former employee/current employee/community member] of Blue Bottle, I cannot in good conscience support a company which is so hostile to its workforce. Blue Bottle should voluntarily recognize the Bay Area BBIU and negotiate in good faith with BBIU.
Recognize the union!