Lydia and Ben from Doughnut Workers United discuss Blue Star Doughnut's campaign of fear, intimidation, and retaliation against union organizers. Topics include frustrations with the work environment, nurses being made to work while sick, disturbing incidents mishandled by management, unexpected changes in work schedules, union support and job loss, manipulative schedules leading to organizers quitting, company's excuses for layoffs, and the significance of word-of-mouth support.
Blue Star Doughnut engaged in illegal union busting tactics, including furloughing employees who supported the union.
Challenges during the unionization campaign at Blue Star included last-minute scheduling changes, unfair probation extensions, and management's use of intimidation tactics.
The furlough of six employees had devastating effects, risking homelessness and causing emotional distress, highlighting the need for support and severance packages.
Deep dives
Unfair treatment of workers and union busting
The podcast highlights the mistreatment of workers at Blue Star and their efforts to unionize. The workers faced issues such as inconsistent pay, an unfair disciplinary system, and a lack of sick time and PTO. They also discuss how management mishandled sexual assault allegations made by workers. The podcast reveals that the company engaged in illegal union busting tactics, including furloughing employees who supported the union. The workers have set up a GoFundMe campaign to support those affected by the furlough.
Challenges faced during the union campaign
The podcast recounts the challenges faced during the unionization campaign at Blue Star. These challenges included a last-minute scheduling change that forced employees to quit, an unfair probation extension for a vocal union supporter, and intimidation tactics used by management to discourage unionizing efforts. The podcast highlights the role of the severe winter storm in Portland, which disrupted the voting process and affected the campaign.
Impact of the furlough on workers
The podcast discusses how the furlough of six employees had a devastating impact on their lives. The workers faced the risk of homelessness, struggled to afford basic necessities, and experienced emotional distress. The furlough was characterized as an illegal retaliation for their involvement in the unionization campaign. The workers also highlight the lack of support and severance package provided by Blue Star.
Support for the workers and the union
The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting the affected workers and the unionization campaign. Listeners are encouraged to contribute to the workers' GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance during their furlough. Additionally, sharing the GoFundMe and spreading awareness about the mistreatment faced by the workers and the union busting tactics of Blue Star is encouraged.
Closing thoughts
The podcast sheds light on the unfair treatment of workers at Blue Star and the challenges they faced during their unionization campaign. It reveals the company's disregard for worker well-being, labor rights, and the law. The episode concludes by calling on listeners to stand in solidarity with the workers and support their fight for fair treatment and union representation.
Mia talks with Lydia and Ben from Doughnut Workers United about Blue Star Doughnut's campaign of fear, intimidation, and retaliation against union organizers.