Union helps ex-Adda workers secure compensation package

Nearly 30 workers at a recently closed Pittsburgh coffee chain will receive compensation packages of one month’s pay and other benefits, a labor union announced Monday.

Adda Coffee & Tea House abruptly closed all four of its locations in January, claiming it had been running at a loss since the business started in 2016.

That left dozens of baristas and kitchen workers without jobs.

Workers who were starting to organize a labor union before the closures continued their efforts despite losing their jobs, a critical factor in helping them secure a compensation package, said Wendell Young, president of United Food and Commercial Workers union 1776, which helped the former Adda employees.

“I credit the workers, they got together and they were passionate,” Young said.

He said since Adda ownership was insistent on closing, this was the “next best outcome” for 28 employees.

Young said workers will receive one month’s pay based on their wages, tips, and overtime pay. Employees that had been working at Adda for over one year will receive an additional week of compensation per year they worked at Adda.

Young said Adda ownership entered into an agreement with his union and promised to remain closed. If Adda ownership were to reopen, it would have to voluntarily recognize the workers’ labor union, Young said.

As a result of the agreement, the union dropped a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for an election to represent Adda employees.

Young said that pressure from local politicians and labor activists helped secure the settlement.

Adda founder Sukanta Nag could not immediately be reached for comment.

The United Food and Commercial Workers represents employees at other coffee shops in the Pittsburgh area, including Coffee Tree Roasters and La Prima.

Young said that former Adda employees were offered help relocating to other jobs at workplaces represented by his union in the area.