It Could Happen Here Strikes, Walkouts, and Union Busting At Nestlé's Blue Bottle
Dec 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alex Pine, President of the Blue Bottle Independent Union, and Abby Sato, Secretary-treasurer, dive into the challenges they faced while organizing their union. They share intriguing accounts of strikes sparked by unfair firings and management's tactics, including bizarre reasons for disciplinary actions. Listeners will learn about their bold demands for better wages, the struggles against stalling negotiations, and how solidarity played a crucial role in their fight. Their relentless efforts shed light on the fight for fair workplace conditions at Blue Bottle.
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Impulse Walkout Over Unjust Firing
- Abby described spontaneously throwing rocks into a pond after a coworker was fired and then calling a walkout.
- The unscripted walkout rallied the whole store and became a defining moment for their union solidarity.
Support Strike Pay To Sustain Actions
- Donate to the independent union strike fund to help replace wages during walkouts.
- Supporting strike pay sustains multi-day actions and preserves worker solidarity.
Fired For Green Pants
- Abby says she was fired for wearing green pants three weeks earlier, a clearly petty justification.
- The firing illustrated management's willingness to use trivial pretexts to target organizers.
