In other exciting union news, workers at The Bazaar—one of several restaurants owned by José Andrés—received word today that their request for voluntary recognition will be granted! Approximately 100 workers at the restaurant announced their intent to unionize publicly earlier this week, receiving quite a flurry of media attention for doing so. Although it's only been open for about a year The Bazaar is a frequent stop for many important people in Washington D.C. and this is rather evident scanning the union's Twitter page. A few days ago they touted the support of, among others, Representatives Jim Clyburn and Steny Hoyer, Senators Ed Markey and John Fetterman, and the White House director of public engagement.
Workers at the restaurant are hoping to receive benefits comparable to their Waldorf Astoria Hotel contemporaries, according to DCist. Currently some employees of The Bazaar make only about $9/hr plus tips which is just above minimum wage, while other restaurants within the Waldorf Astoria Hotel see rates closer to $20/hr plus tips—obviously quite a large disparity. They're also hoping to win health insurance, paid time off, and just cause employment provisions.