Cognition Escape Rooms - Pre-Bargaining Meeting Update

Bargaining Team: Ryan Sharbrough, Allyndreth Smyth, Makenna Page

The purpose of the introductory pre-bargaining meeting was to establish rapport, discuss the bargaining process and logistics, and schedule initial bargaining sessions.

The pre-bargaining introductory meeting was held between the Cognition Escape Rooms ownership and the Union bargaining unit. The parties introduced themselves, discussed bargaining expectations, reviewed the collective bargaining process, and outlined how proposals would be exchanged and negotiated.

The Union explained that negotiations would begin with non-economic proposals before moving to economic issues, such as wages and benefits. Both parties expressed a desire to maintain a respectful and productive working relationship and agreed that bargaining sessions would be conducted virtually.

Bargaining Process Overview

• The initial focus will be on non-economic proposals, including recognition, Union security, definitions, and working conditions.

• Economic items, including wages, increases, benefits, and other cost-related issues, will be addressed later, once substantial progress has been made on other non-economic language.

• Proposals will be presented by section or article rather than as an entire contract at once.

• The first contract is expected to be approximately 35 to 45 pages or more, with only portions reviewed during each bargaining session.

• A federal mediator may be brought in, if needed, to help the Employer and Union resolve contract disputes, prevent work stoppages, and navigate collective bargaining negotiations. A mediator is typically brought in once negotiations are close to an overall tentative agreement.

Upcoming Bargaining Dates!

Subsequent bargaining sessions were scheduled for:

• Wed, Sept 23 @ 3pm - 5pm

• Fri, Sept 25 @ 12pm - 2pm

Puzzle Break and Cognition Escape Rooms - Building Our First Contract Together

Thank you to everyone who completed the bargaining survey and shared workplace concerns. Your feedback is helping identify the priorities that matter most as we prepare for negotiations.

Where Bargaining Stands

The bargaining process is moving forward. Initial requests to bargain were sent to both Employers on July 12, 2026, with a 14-day response timeline. Both Employers followed up recently, on August 6, 2026.

Bargaining has not started yet. However, Puzzle Break’s Employer has already committed an unfair labor practice (ULP) by shortening the shifts of workers who spoke out about workplace injustices.

Priorities Raised by Members

Your solidarity with one another and participation in the survey have brought forward several key concerns to address at the bargaining table, including:

• Scheduling

• Missed breaks

• Low staffing

• The threat of AI reducing job security

What Happens Next

You have chosen your Bargaining Team. Next, team members will be trained and briefed on the issues you raised so they can prepare for proposal exchange and negotiations.

Please continue sharing your concerns and workplace issues as the process moves forward. Bargaining updates will be shared periodically to keep the membership informed about what is happening at the table.

Also, watch for opportunities to participate in campaign actions. Information about any actions will be shared in advance.

Bargaining Team Nominees

The following members have been nominated to serve on the Bargaining Team: Ryan Sharbrough, Mason Walsh, Allyndreth Smyth, Dane Hendricks, Makenna Page, and Riley Murphy.

Stay Involved

Your voice matters. Continue sharing workplace concerns, ideas, and priorities with your Union Reps and Bargaining Team members. Together, we can build a strong contract that reflects the needs and priorities of all Puzzle Break and Cognition Escape Rooms workers.