Union History in the Making at Jimmy John's

What if fast food workers had a union? The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), better known as the Wobblies, are aiming to find out. And they're betting that they can improve wages, get some regularity in scheduling, and gain some respect for fast food workers in the process.

Two hundred workers at 10 Jimmy John's (a sandwich chain) locations in Minneapolis, Minnesota will soon vote on whether to form a union. If they vote yes, they will be the first fast food workers to be represented by a union in the country. It could be an incredible first step in organizing an industry that desperately needs some reform.

There are thousands of fast food restaurants across the country, and Americans spend billions on fast food every year. These restaurants also employ thousands of workers, so why hasn't a union tried to organize fast food workers before now? Like other service industries, fast food workers tend to be young, they tend not to stay on the job for very long, and their schedules change constantly, making it hard for an organizer to talk to to them.

Each location likely only employs 10 or 20 people, so going location by location could take years to have an impact. That doesn't mean the industry doesn't need to change, though. Workers at Jimmy John's are fighting for higher wages, which are at or just above minimum wage, a change in the short and irregular shifts they are forced to work, sometimes as short as an hour, and the inability to take time off when they are sick — all common issues with service industry work.

If this historic vote goes well at Jimmy John's, it would go a long way in demonstrating that fast food workers not only want a union, but are willing to put in the time and effort to get one, and that could have a ripple effect across the industry.

The IWW recently held a rally in the lead up to the vote, to keep momentum for the union going. Organizers say that over 60 percent of the workers have signed union authorization cards, suggesting strong support, and a decent chance of victory. But the owner of the shops in question has responded like many employers, by shelling out $3,000 a day for a union-busting firm, holding closed door meetings with workers, and saying nasty things about the union.

The IWW says it has filed 22 complaints of labor rights violations, yet another example of why we need to strengthen our labor laws. You can learn more by visiting the Jimmy John's Workers Union site.

Photo credit: Jimmy John's Workers Union