In 2021, the workers at Pavement Coffeehouse in Boston found themselves wondering how they could have a bigger say in their working conditions. Not long after, they became the first unionized coffee shop in Massachusetts.

Emma Delaney, a former supervisor at Pavement and now a full-time organizer at NEJB Unite Here, was one of the many employees that led the union's organization efforts. She shared with us what it was like to start a union at Pavement, what it really means to "organize" a workplace, and what you may be putting at risk when you do.

This video originally published on HBR's Ascend YouTube Channel in July, 2022.

Produced by Andy Robinson, Kelsey Alpaio

Video by Andy Robinson, Elena Lake, and Elainy Mata

Editing by Andy Robinson

Animation and Design by Alex Belser and Karen Player

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