Support Still Perkin Baristas on Strike

The baristas at Still Perkin' coffee shop in New Orleans were called back by management to work on 5/13/20 for $8.25/hour, with no indication of any additional safety protocol to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission. Prior to the pandemic, employees averaged around $16-$18 an hour with tips. Despite this, the owner (Kathy Redmann) refused all employee negotiations for an increase to $15/hour to make up for lost tips and account for the higher risk of working during a pandemic. Included with the demand for higher wages and paid sick leave (a federal mandate until December 31, 2020), we demanded written safety protocol adhering to Phase 1 safety standards, as well as Personal Protective Equipment.

Even after employees committed hours of research to figure out how to apply for an SBA loan increase, Kathy continued to disparage us and made no concessions to either increase wages or properly adhere to health or safety standards. She informed us that if we did not show up to work under these unsafe conditions, we would no longer have a job. In response, the baristas have gone on strike, picketing in front of the cafe on the first day of its reopening. We plan to continue picketing and stay on strike until our demands are met.

Donations will go to support the striking workers, especially those who do not qualify for federal unemployment. We deeply appreciate the support from our community and will continue to fight for our rights as baristas and stand in solidarity with all workers in New Orleans.