The employees of board game cafes in New York City have achieved a major milestone by successfully unionizing. One worker from a local café emphasized the determination and strategic thinking that led to this accomplishment, noting that “there is not a group of people better at organizing than a bunch of nerds.”
The employees at Hex & Co. on the Upper East Side, a popular spot for board game enthusiasts, united to demand recognition and support from their employers. Less than two months after voicing their concerns, they voted to join Workers United, an organization active in organizing workers at Starbucks stores nationwide. Workers from other board game cafes, such as the Uncommons and the Brooklyn Strategist, have also followed suit.
The owners of these establishments, Jon Freeman and Greg May, expressed concern that unionization would undermine the “flexible and open-door atmosphere” they have worked to create. However, the employees remained steadfast in their pursuit of better working conditions and representation.
This development signifies a significant movement in the board game cafe industry, demonstrating the power of collective action and the determination of workers to improve their professional lives. It serves as a compelling example for workers in similar industries, showcasing the possibility of change through collaboration and effective communication, and highlighting every worker’s right to fair treatment and representation in the workplace.
The impact of unionization in board game cafes is likely to inspire others within the industry to pursue similar goals as the movement for workers’ rights gains momentum. It reinforces the importance of standing together and advocating for a better, more equitable work environment.
The employees’ journey toward unionization has been arduous, but their perseverance and determination have led to a significant and empowering outcome. This victory resonates beyond the walls of board game cafes, offering hope and inspiration to workers across various industries.
