Tucson restaurant workers could form first union of its kind in AZ

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – With US restaurant and retail workers dropping out of the industry in droves, a group of local restaurant workers could form the first-of-its-kind union in Arizona.

Workers in the preparation and pastry shop are trying to form a union for themselves and the Ares Collective Restaurants group.

“We’ve been undervalued and overworked for too long and we’re not getting the benefits we deserve. We work really hard, ”said Spyncer Wilson, Chef at Prep and Pastry.

The group has some key demands such as job security, the right to breaks and PTO, affordable health care, vacation pay and time off, and no retaliation against employees.

The partner owner, Nathan Ares, said vacation time is the only thing the restaurant doesn’t currently offer full-time employees. Ares said they are offering very competitive pay and hours whenever possible, despite COVID-19 and a slower summer having been difficult.

“We love our team, and I’ve personally told each and every team member, no matter which direction it goes, nothing will change,” said Ares.

While breaks are not specified in their employee handbook, Ares says that most employees work no more than eight hours, and the restaurant grounds frequently offer breaks and a free meal for employees each day.

“I think regardless of federal and state laws, you should treat people the way they deserve, and even if you’re a part-time worker, that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the benefits of a full-time job. Temporary employee, “said Wilson.

UFCW Local 99 union said it had given owners a chance to join a union without a vote, but Ares said it should be left to all employees to decide. Now that 30 percent of workers are in favor of applying for a union, there is likely to be a vote among all workers on union forms. UFCW Local 99 said they will give owners another chance to approve a union without a vote.

“We want to do whatever the team wants and that is to hear both sides of the team and when and when a vote comes we want it to be fair,” said Ares.

Other complaints from workers include a poor work environment and fear of speaking out, which management categorically denies. Workers hope to guide other workers in the industry to form or join their own union.

An online petition seeking public support for the union has more than 500 signatures and a workers’ vote to form a union is likely to take place in the coming weeks

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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