First French Truck Coffee location unionizes in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA – On September 20, workers at French Truck Coffee in the French Quarter voted 8-0 to unionize. The French Quarter is the city’s tourism hub and generates billions each year. But hospitality workers often work for low wages and no benefits at non-union small or mid-sized businesses. This is the first workplace of this kind to unionize. It is also the first union at French Truck, an expanding regional coffee chain.
“Working in a city where the average rent is $1500 and we only make $10 an hour isn’t right,” said Autumn West, a barista at French Truck. Workers also complain about inconsistent schedules and unstable employment. “I think the best thing about having a union is having job security,” testified Nevaeh Ross, another employee.
This successful union drive comes on the heels of others at the Poydras and Maple Street Starbucks locations.