Birdcage staff begin union negotiations, possible worker-co-op on the horizon

After several unsuccessful mediation attempts, Birdcage Comics Cafe co-owner Daniel Whitfield agreed to staff demands Saturday, July 19, initiating the lengthy union negotiation process. Workers, who returned to work Monday, are hopeful, with the ultimate goal of restructuring the venue into a worker co-op. 

“We’re all happy to be back and there’s still a lot happening behind the scenes,” said Birdcage employee Noah Stanley. 

On July 10, workers issued a letter to Whitfield, notifying him of their demands, marking the official push to form a union. According to Kelley Bader, the cooperative development program manager for the Inland Empire Labor Institute, Whitfield initially rejected their demands, citing religious objections. 

In response to Whitfield’s rejection, workers started a strike, leaving the cafe short-staffed. Bader confirmed the workers had prepared unfair labor practice (ULP) filings with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) but opted to notify Whitfield, seeking an expedited resolution before formal submission.

As pressure mounted, bargaining efforts took place throughout the week, including two meetings on Saturday, July 18. An initial morning session proved unproductive, leading workers to resume picketing. However, a second, more receptive meeting later that afternoon resulted in an agreement.

"There was good faith on both sides, and they got a lot done," Bader said, describing the successful afternoon session. 

Whitfield has not been available for comment for this story, but told The Frontline Observer last week that he’s doing the best to keep the business open. 

Bader explained that Whitfield agreed to staff demands. When asked about the specific demands Whitfield agreed to, Birdcage employee Amy Gonzalez said, “Daniel agreed to the demands necessary for the staff’s immediate return to work while we bargain for long-term conditions to improve.” She added, “The recognition of our union was a part of that.”

Whitfield’s primary concession request was for both parties to collaborate on messaging to repair the business's reputation, which both sides acknowledged had been damaged by the dispute.

While a union ensures a fair contract and secure working conditions, the workers' long-term vision is to restructure the cafe into a worker co-op, according to Bader. 

Gonzalez, while hopeful, is cautious, noting the challenge in creating a successful worker co-op. 

“While we are indeed interested in this working model, there is still a lot to learn about the process and what it entails,” she said. “We want to take our time and make sure that whatever decision we make moving forward are best for the overall benefit of the cafe, the staff, and the community.”