We, the workers of Downtown Dog Lounge are forming a union! We’re forming a union because we love the dogs and we love our workplace but we know that it can be better. After countless attempts to advocate for our safety and the dogs’ safety, it’s clear that management doesn’t listen to us. 

Through our collective power and the protections of a union, we will bargain to change the conditions at DDL for the better. Join us in fighting for better working conditions, better wages, better safety, and a better Downtown Dog Lounge!

— Allison, Anne, Judy, Sierra, Ellen, Sabrina, Harley, Grace, Bailey, Noah, Matt

“I’m voting to unionize because a standard needs to be set in our industry. Well-cared-for employees make for well-cared-for dogs.” 

— Anne (Elliott)

“I want to unionize so that our dogs have the safest and best experience they possibly can with us – and so that our crew is supported, listened to, and feels protected at all times. Downtown Dog Lounge is leading the doggy day care industry in so many ways but I know that there is lots of room for improvement for the good of our crew, our customers!”

— Allison (Ballard)

“I believe partnering with UFCW will be beneficial not only for the workers and dog industry as a whole, but most importantly the safety of the dogs we all know and love. I believe it will help us and management reach a place of mutual understanding in regards to job security, advancement, and safe and consistent protocols for dogs. We are already a strong, confident, and competent united team and deserve for our voices to be heard. This will certainly set a much needed precedent for all dog industry professionals.” 

— Judy (SLU) 

  • Workers are protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to organize a union. We are allowed to talk about our wages, working conditions, and worksite concerns, and about forming a union as long as it doesn’t distract from our work tasks.

  • We will not pay any dues until our first contract is voted in and approved by us. Would you agree to a contract that doesn’t give you more than we currently have?

  • A union is a group of coworkers coming together to improve our working conditions, negotiate a contract with our employer over wages, benefits, and other concerns and needs.

    Bosses like to talk about “the union” as if it’s a separate entity but, the union is US! A union is a democratic organization of workers. Downtown Dog Lounge employees and our employer will be able to bargain a legally binding contract—this is called “collective bargaining”—that we will help negotiate with union staff to vote on and approve.

For any questions, please reach out to an Organizing Committee member or union organizer Rory Wong-Jacobs here.