Chipotle Strikes Back; Shutters Union Store

Chipotle is closing its location in Augusta, Maine. The otherwise profitable location is notable for nothing except the distinction of being the first Chipotle store to file for union recognition. News of pending closure was emailed out on Tuesday, 19 July.

BREAKING: Chipotle is permanently closing the store in Augusta, ME where workers last month filed to form Chipotle's first union in the U.S.

Workers are rallying outside the store at 5pm today and demanding the company halt its union-busting and reopen the store. pic.twitter.com/GvJbWWTm5I

— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) July 19, 2022

The corporate union-busting strategy is coming into focus. Faced with a wave of union activity at corporate giants like Apple, Amazon, REI, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s and more, will businesses with the financial wherewithal simply shut down operations rather than abide the National Labor Relations Act and negotiate with the collective bargaining units formed by their workforces? We’ve already reported on union-busting closures at Starbucks. And it looks like smaller businesses, like City Feed & Supply, which can’t afford to close a location, will try to wait out and scare off union activity.

Worker-organizers at the Augusta Chipotle location are gathering to protest at 5pm EST today, Tuesday, 19 July. Show up in person to support or reach out to Chipotle on the interwebs to let them know how you feel about union busters.

Chipotle is playing dirty and we’re fighting back! Join us at 5pm to protest the closure of our store and tell them that union busting is bad business! 1 Steven King Dr Ste 101 in Augusta. Bring your signs and your voices and stand up with Chipotle United! pic.twitter.com/f63DbuGoLo

— ChipotleUnited (@BrandiMcnease) July 19, 2022

Say hi to Chipotle United on Twitter.