AUSTIN, Texas — Following a prolonged fight, workers at a pizzeria in Austin’s North Campus neighborhood are finally set to unionize.
According to a report from Eater Austin, the workers are set to join Restaurant Workers United, a union that represents the interest of restaurant workers across the country, after workers voted to do so on a 22-16 vote.
The vote caps a prolonged legal battle between the restaurant and its workers that dates back to 2022.
Austin City Councilman Zo Qadri congratulated the workers on social media Thursday.
“Congrats to Via 313 workers at North Campus for voting to form a union!,” Qadri wrote on X. “After an unrecognized vote in 2022, it’s great to see progress. I’m hopeful Via 313 will come to the bargaining table & negotiate in good faith. Proud of Via 313 workers! Austin is a Union town!”
According to Restaurant Workers United, the workers voted to unionize in October 2022, however, the results were never certified due to challenged ballots and other unresolved issues. The restaurant ultimately agreed to pay approximately $50,000 to terminated workers at the time.