Minneapolis – Today a majority of service and kitchen workers at Kim’s voted ‘yes’ in their union election. Workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota’s hospitality and craft beverage workers union. 

About 60 cooks, dishwashers, servers, support staff, and bartenders work at Kim’s. Last month, a supermajority of workers from across the restaurant called on Vestalia Hospitality to voluntarily recognize their union and negotiate a union contract. Workers are calling for respect, stability, and better pay and benefits.

Despite a persistent anti-union campaign by the employer to encourage a “no” vote, workers voted 65% in favor of unionizing. Workers are eager to get to the bargaining table to work toward solutions that can improve working conditions and ensure the restaurant’s ongoing success for all.

“I started organizing because I was tired of worrying about my income week to week. I’ve been devoted to hospitality for 20 years, I felt it was time I got some devotion back. Kim’s being a union restaurant is such a benefit to Uptown, because I know improving our jobs will also improve the restaurant for everyone. I’m excited for the future and look forward to bargaining a contract,” said Kaylee Murphy, Kim’s bartender and server.

“Since my first job in the service industry, I knew things had to change. Restaurant workers don’t have to accept feeling disrespected, ignored, or like the industry sees them as disposable, like I felt. Every step of the way my coworkers and the community have given me the courage to continue, we have true solidarity. I look forward to bargaining in good faith and making Kim’s the best restaurant in the Twin Cities,” said Aaron Rose, Kim’s bartender.

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UNITE HERE Local 17 is Minnesota’s hospitality workers’ union, representing over 6,000 workers in hotels, airport restaurants, sports stadiums, craft beverage makers, university cafeterias, and more.