In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, the Suntrapp Workers Unite organizing campaign in Salt Lake City was discussed with Natalie Jankowski, lead bartender; Derek Peterson, administrative assistant to the owner; and Yara Albadri, marketing and events coordinator. The discussion centered on the closure of the Suntrapp Bar after workers initiated an organizing drive, the complexities of management-worker relations and the broader significance of their union effort within the local community.
The first key issue the guests addressed was the motivation behind the union effort and the conditions at Suntrapp Bar preceding the strike. Jankowski described a workplace lacking clear policies, a disciplinary structure and managerial oversight, which led to instability and confusion for employees. The staff feared for the future of the bar, a place they described as a beloved local institution, and felt compelled to act to protect their jobs and secure better working conditions. Their organizing effort began in mid-September with a call for voluntary recognition, rooted not in financial demands but in creating a more stable and accountable workplace culture.
According to Peterson, Tensions escalated when the owner responded to the union drive with immediate threats of termination and, subsequently, policy changes targeting union supporters. He described how firings were issued and then rescinded, followed by the implementation of arbitrary policies in an apparent attempt to conduct legal but targeted dismissals. Ultimately, the staff went on an Unfair Labor Practice strike, a move compounded by the government shutdown that stalled the path to a formal union election. This chain of events, and the owner’s lack of experience in bar management, further strained relationships and underscored the power imbalance the workers faced, the guests said.
Despite these obstacles, the Suntrapp union campaign garnered crucial support from both the Communications Workers of America Local 7765 and the broader Salt Lake City community. Albadri and Peterson both spoke to the visibility and support they received, with community members, patrons and performers rallying behind the workers. The guests emphasized that their demands focused on accountability, improved working conditions and raising wages only for the lowest-paid workers. As the group awaits the reopening of government offices to move forward with their union election, they reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring lasting, positive change for all staff.
For more on the Suntrapp Workers Unite campaign, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.