A POPULAR coffee chain has sparked controversy after abruptly closing all of its stores in a major city.
More than 30 employees at OCF Coffee House stores in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were out of work on Tuesday.
4
Just a week ago, employees announced their plans to unionize and join Workers United Local 80.
Some speculate that the announcement may have something to do with the sudden closures.
“We wanted better wages and stability and part-time work health benefitsnot just full-time,” Stephanie Slaughter, a former employee, told local ABC affiliate WPVI-TV.
“We were paid really bad wages and this was our attempt to get better wages and make the place we love better,” said Rexxi, a barista, CBS News.
However, Ori Feibush, owner of OCF Coffee House, wrote a letter addressed to employees and customers saying that rising costs and reduced sales led to the decision to close all three locations.
Feibush added that he is not against the labor union, but that the cost of legal services that come with the union was taken into consideration in the decision to close.
“A decision as difficult as this is never simplistic,” he said.
“You had an organization that was already at its limit. I was at my limit and didn’t have the capacity to continue burning additional costs.”
A non-mandatory staff meeting was held by Feibush on Monday to hear from workers – but attendance was very poor.
“Nobody showed up,” Feibush said. “So those conversations couldn’t happen.”
Later that day, at around 4pm, workers received an email informing them that the stores would be closed immediately.
Former employee Ava Alabiso called the News “very, very disheartening.”
She added: “We haven’t even started negotiating.
“They didn’t even ask what we were looking for before it closed. Leaving us all in the lurch.”
Another former worker, Alex Simpson, said they were “really devastated” to learn they were suddenly unemployed.
“Especially because it’s such a blatant response to our union process,” Simpson said.
What is Café OCF
OCF Coffee House was a popular coffee shop in the Philadelphia area with three stores that had been in operation for about 13 years.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, the stores’ owner, Ori Feibush, announced that all three locations would close immediately.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the closure of all three OCF Coffee House locations. After 13 wonderful years serving our beloved community, the time has come to say goodbye,” read a statement on social media.
“Increased operating costs, reduced sales, and the expiration of some of our leases this summer have made it difficult to continue operating the coffee shops, and the administrative and legal costs associated with our team’s desire to organize have regrettably taken us beyond any cost we could sustain.
“To our loyal customers, thank you for your unwavering support. It was an honor to be part of your daily life and share your moments of joy and connection.”
More than 30 employees lost their jobs due to the closures, with Feibush saying the company would offer a variety of benefits for the next three months.
“This comes a week after we publicly announced our union.”
According to the workers, they earned between $9 and $13 per hour and relied mainly on tips.
“Most of our income came from tips and community support,” Simpson said.
“However, these rates were incredibly unstable. In the winter, they could cost between $6 and $8 an hour.”
OCF Coffee House has been a staple in Philadelphia neighborhoods for 13 years.
The company said it would continue to provide health, vision and dental benefits to employees during the next three months.
But former employees are fighting to get severance pay.
4
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25508671/2158015570.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
