According to a press release by the Jimmy John’s Workers Union (an IWW affiliate), protests involving leafleting and picketing were held in 32 states over Labor Day. The effort to unionize Jimmy John’s workers could have profound implications across the fast food industry, a sector with currently low rates of unionization. In 2009, only about 1.8% of food service workers were represented by a union. Although typically staffed by young and transient workers, the difficult economic environment and low union penetration, coupled with union desperation, may finally make fast food establishments a viable target for union efforts. The Jimmy John’s Workers Union boasts of being the first union for fast food service workers, and is open to membership for Jimmy John’s employees across 39 states.
