Hiring Hall: The Wydown closes abruptly amidst union drive

Workers at The Wydown Coffee Bar began the process of unionizing with Workers United Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board in April, and just last week leaders of the effort announced that an election date had been set for June 10.

Top: Wydown workers rallied on May Day earlier this month.

Bottom: A sign from this morning's picket reads "Wydown fired 30 workers last night instead of allowing a union election."

Last night, without warning, Wydown's owners abruptly closed the company and laid off all employees. "I stopped by The Wydown on H Street this morning to show my support for the workers and what has always been a great place to grab a coffee or meet up with neighbors," Councilmember Charles Allen posted on social media. "If the owners have closed both shops to avoid a vote by workers to organize, it’s the wrong move plain and simple."