Coffee By Design, a pioneer in fair-trade coffee in Portland, Maine, and its baristas have ratified a pioneering union contract, marking a significant milestone for labor relations in the independent coffee shop sector. This agreement, negotiated with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), introduces substantial wage increases and establishes long-term benefits for workers, including a structured pay scale that rewards tenure. The contract not only enhances financial terms but also sets up a Labor-Management Committee to foster ongoing cooperation and address shared goals. This development is particularly notable as it is the first for an independent coffee shop in Maine, setting a precedent for the industry in the region.
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