Last week, employees at Attaboy, one of New York City’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, voted to unionize as Attaboy Local 134. It was a landmark vote: The 13-8 majority marked the first time that employees at a major cocktail bar in NYC successfully formed an independent organization. Multiple attempts in recent years — namely at similarly popular bars Death & Co. and Achilles Heel — have shown how difficult it is to unionize in the hospitality industry. But can the success of Attaboy Local 134 encourage others to attempt to do the same?
Today on the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss what might have prompted Attaboy Local 134 to organize and how it triumphed where others have failed. They consider whether this will spark similar efforts at other well-known bars and restaurants and why the hospitality industry has a history of being particularly difficult for workers’ unions.
Zach is drinking: Nightingale Martini 2.0 at Nightingale
Joanna is drinking: “The Localist” New York State Cream Ale at Grimm Artisan Ales
Adam is drinking: Domaine Barge “Les Côtes” Côte-Rôtie
