Crown Heights Pizzeria Becomes First To Unionize In NYC: Workers

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — A Prospect Heights pizzeria made history Wednesday as workers became the only local New York pizza shop to secure union representation, workers said.

Workers at Franklin Avenue's Barboncino Pizza — frequently lauded as one of Brooklyn's best pizzerias— had their sights set on higher pay, a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, inclusive scheduling and clear disciplinary procedures, organizers said.

And on Wednesday, eligible workers unanimously voted to support the union in a National Labor Relations Board election, according to a representative of Workers United.

"With higher wages and more job security the cook/artist is now able to explore the possibility of what pizza can be,"said Josh Johnston, a chef at Barboncino.

The workers filed for an election in May to create a union including about 40 non-managerial employees represented by Workers United.

Opened in 2011, Barboncino is a popular staple on Crown Heights' busy Franklin Avenue.

"Pizza is a blank canvas, it is the artist's job to fill that canvas with beautiful components and flavors. Being overworked and underpaid does not foster the artist's ability to create beautiful and delicious food," Johnston said.

The restaurant came under new ownership in 2022, including Barboncino's first manager. Owners at the time said "everything is remaining the same," including the menu, staffing, and name.

In a statement to Patch in May, a representative of Barboncino said it was aware of the workers' efforts and the eatery would "continue, as always, to support its customers, community and employees" — but did not voluntarily recognize the union.

Barboncino is now the city's only local pizzeria with union representation. And with the momentum of "hot labor summer" behind them, Barboncino's staff is hoping to set an example for other pizza shops.

"There are no protections for the workers when there is a mentality that 'the customer is always right,'" said Andrea López, a Barboncino server. "Workers who were labeled essential during a global pandemic, who kept and continue to keep the restaurant afloat, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to have their basic needs met."

And a hot labor summer it is. In late June, employees at a Park Slope Barnes and Noble voted to unionize, according to the NLRB.

Food and beverage workers at Barclays Center this month avoided a planned strike with a tentative agreement securing pay increases and better health insurance.

Meanwhile, the SAG-AFTRA strike continued to pick up speed in New York City with a rally in Times Square Tuesday.

On Tuesday, United Parcel Service workers reached a tentative agreement securing wage increases and air conditioning in trucks, avoiding a potential strike, The City reported.