Chipotle agrees to pay after closing Maine store that sought union

People who used to work at a Chipotle in Augusta say they've won a massive victory for workers' rights after they lost their jobs while trying to form a union. This morning, members of Chipotle United announced they won a $240,000 settlement from the company as they stood outside the empty remains of the Augusta location. The workers attempted to unionize last summer, but the company shuttered the restaurant in July. Union members claimed they were blacklisted from jobs at other locations. In all, 24 former employees will share that settlement, which covers back pay and future wages if the store did not close. Brandy McNeese worked at the restaurant and says they were never looking to take on a corporation, but they were not backing down from demanding a safe and fair workplace. We've watched these corporations behave so badly.

They have just literally shown their colors. And if it's worker against corporation, then the workers need to know that we have the power. We have the means. We are the ones that make the value. So we really need to think about what we're worth to them. Chipotle sent us a statement saying in part, we settled this case not because we did anything wrong, but because the time, energy and cost to litigate would have far outweighed the settlement agreement. We respect our employees' rights to organize under the National Labor Relations Act and are committed to ensuring a fair and just work environment that provides opportunities to all.

Another part of the settlement is that all 40 northern New England Chipotle's will be required to post a notice listing employees' rights to organize, as well as guaranteeing that each main location will offer preferential hiring to those former Augusta workers.

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