LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The protracted picket line outside the Sunergos on Norris Place earned a few honks as union members hollered and held signs. They want to bring the company's starting pay up from $8.25 to $12.00.
Evan Peak, one of the baristas, also shared worker protections as another concern. He wants a "just cause" provision in the contract.
"Which essentially puts the burden of proof on the owners to make sure that they have fairly and justly terminated or disciplined one of the employees," Peak explained.
In September, the union withdrew a bargaining complaint against the company. The National Labor Relations Board still has a case open against the company, filed by the union in September, for "coercive rules."
The local SEIU 320 members voted to join the union back in January. Since, they've worked for the company without an agreement. It's why they began the strike over the holiday weekend.
Until they go back to work, they're calling for a boycott of the business. From the sidewalk, they tried to convince people get coffee from a nearby Heine Brothers instead. Their workers are part of the same union and reached a contract agreement without a strike.
Aaron Bone, a union steward at a Heine Bros shop, supported the cause.
"When you get a union, it's fantastic," he said. "But that's the first step. And honestly, it kind of pales in comparison to the next step—getting that contract. Because that contract is the only way you can make changes in your workplace."
While some took their business elsewhere, plenty of customers still ventured in for a place to work and a warm drink.
Kyle Barnett, one of the Sunergos shop's regulars, participated in the boycott while acknowledging the efforts of the small business owners.
"We say 'an individual built something,'" he said. "And that's true to an extent, but it's really the people who work the counters who work day-in, day-out that make the thing work. Without them, you don't have a business."
WHAS11 News has attempted to reach the business owners since last week. WHAS11 News called and emailed again Monday morning, but they didn't respond.
Union members say the strike could continue indefinitely until a contract agreement is reached. Those negotiations begin again on Tuesday.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.