Birdcage Comics Cafe under fire for employee mistreatment, spurring workers to strike and seek union support

Dozens of picketers took to West Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino, a bustling commercial district near the 10 and 215 freeways, Friday morning to protest the alleged unfair labor practices of Birdcage Comics Cafe and its co-owner Daniel Whitfield. In response, workers, supported by stewards of the Inland Empire Labor Institute and Teamsters Local 1932 and 63, are on strike until their demands are met, leaving the cafe short staffed. 

On July 10, a worker-issued letter to Whitfield specified 11 workplace infractions, including discrimination, intimidation, labor exploitation, slander and sexual harassment. 

According to the correspondence, “Daniel has denied on multiple occasions for the staff to organize a meeting to discuss ongoing issues and concerns with him,” adding they will continue to strike until their grievances are addressed to Daniel “with a mediator present and official documentation.” 

Amid vocal picketers and the occasional honk from supportive commuters, The Frontline Observer approached Whitfield for comment regarding the alleged abuses. While preoccupied running the short-staffed cafe and apprehensive of the protest just beyond the entry doors, he offered a brief statement.

“We are doing our best to keep the business open and meet staff demands and address their concerns,” Whitfield said. “We are doing everything possible to bring staff back to work.”

For employees Noah Stanley and Calista Mesen, Birdcage’s workplace troubles signal a departure from its values and community.  

“We all come from very different backgrounds, but we can all agree that marginalized people need a place that they can gather, and people need community,” Stanley said. “That's what we want to bring back.” 

Despite the fallout, Birdcage staff remain determined. 

“We want a safe workplace; we want accountability,” Mesen said. “We want change and we don't want it to just be brushed under the rug,” adding that they’re fighting not just for themselves but for those who come after. 

This is a developing story, and it’s unclear how union support will affect the outcome. Follow The Frontline Observer for updates.