Workers at José Andrés’ flashy D.C. restaurant The Bazaar have announced their intention to form a union with Unite Here Local 25.
The union announcement did not say how many employees would be included, but the restaurant has a large staff. The union said it would include a range of jobs, including hosts, food runners, cooks, waiters, bartenders and more.
Bloomberg reports it would cover about 140 employees. The union says a “supermajority” of employees supported the move. It seeks management to voluntarily recognize their union.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the the José Andrés Group, said: “Yesterday we received a request for recognition of a bargaining unit to represent staff at The Bazaar in Washington. We are carefully reviewing the request and will respond shortly. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the values of our organization.”
Andrés, a well-known supporter of human rights, is a Spanish immigrant. His Think Food Group operates more than 30 restaurants.
The Bazaar opened last year in the Old Post Office Pavilion, in a Waldorf Astoria that replaced the former Trump International Hotel. The Trump Organization bought the original lease for the building from the federal government.
Andrés famously backed out of a lease to operate a restaurant there in 2015, leading to a legal battle with the organization, because of then-candidate Donald Trump’s remarks about immigrants. The lawsuit was settled in 2017, though terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed.
Andrés founded the D.C.-based nonprofit World Central Kitchen and co-chair’s the White House Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats nominated Andres for a Nobel Peace Prize Wednesday, in recognition of his humanitarian efforts
Editor’s note: An earlier headline on this story incorrectly said workers have voted to form a union. In fact, workers have announced their intention to form a union, but have not yet voted. The headline has been updated.