In a bold move aimed at protecting union-negotiated pay and benefits, House food service workers, backed by Democratic representatives, have initiated a boycott against several dining outlets within the Capitol complex. This action follows concerns over the employment terms that new subcontractors might offer.

The protest, led by Congressional Labor Caucus co-chairs Reps. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), took place at the Capitol building. They voiced their discontent following final votes on Thursday, spotlighting issues with the new vendors who have been slow to recognize the existing agreement with the Unite Here Local 23 union.

The union has specifically called for a boycott of six new dining venues: Starbucks, CHA Street Food, Jimmy John’s, Panera, Java House, and PX Tacos. Rep. Dingell emphasized the significant impact of this boycott, noting, "We have 124 members in our labor caucus. That means, along with the rest of the Democrats, half the people will not be buying Starbucks coffee."

This move comes as the House of Representatives transitions away from their previous food service contractor, Sodexo, which employed around 200 workers. The new vendors are expected to assume control in the upcoming months. More than 100 Democratic lawmakers rallied last week, signing a letter urging these subcontractors to rehire the employees from Sodexo at their former positions within the Capitol's dining outlets, while maintaining a minimum hourly wage of $22.15, along with health care and retirement benefits.

The letter from the lawmakers highlighted the deep relationships and institutional knowledge that the existing workers hold, which are invaluable to the smooth operation of Capitol dining services. "Many of us know these workers directly and have cherished our interactions with them over the years," the letter stated. "It is critical that you retain these workers to avoid any disruption to their livelihoods and to preserve their institutional knowledge and established relationships with Members of Congress and their staff."

So far, only Metz, one of the seven new contractors, has made offers to rehire the existing employees to manage the cafeterias, Unite Here reported. Rickie Toon, a union steward and veteran Capitol dining employee, expressed the sentiments of many at the protest. "My coworkers and I have struggled over the years to make this the kind of job we can raise our families on," Toon declared. "We call on everyone who cares about the dignity of labor to honor this boycott."

The boycott commenced immediately, coinciding with the start of the House's August recess. The union and its supporters stand firm in their resolve to fight for the rights and recognition of the Capitol's dedicated food service workers.