Urban Ore workers strike ends without a collective bargaining agreement

[Omaha Steve]

Some unionized Urban Ore workers went on an “open-ended” strike in March. Forty days later, and with a new lead negotiator at the bargaining table and some layoffs, the strike has been paused.


Workers at Urban Ore table outside the store’s parking lot on Feb. 25, 2023. Credit: Marcus Gabber

by Iris Kwok
May 2, 2025, 1:32 p.m.

Unionized workers at Urban Ore announced Thursday that they are no longer on strike and encouraged customers to shop and donate at the West Berkeley salvage yard and reuse store.

After 40 days of picketing, the union and management have agreed to a “45-day cooling off period.” Under the arrangement, both sides will meet twice a week to bargain, and several employees have been temporarily laid off as the company recoups financial losses from the boycott.

Some of the workers have been striking since late March, calling for an end to what they claim are unfair labor practices by the company, including stalling bargaining sessions, and appointing a lead negotiator without sufficient authority to reach agreements. Dan Knapp, who co-owns the store with his wife, Mary Lou Van Deventer, has pushed back against many of the union’s claims, saying he’s met with the union in good faith.

In April 2023, Urban Ore workers voted to unionize with Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the vote was soon certified. More than two years later, the union and management have still not signed off on a first contract.

FULL story: https://www.berkeleyside.org/2025/05/02/urban-ore-workers-strike-ends