Milwaukee City Wire

Wisconsin-based Colectivo Coffee successfully voted to become the largest chain union in the U.S. after a tied 99-99 vote left efforts paused in March, according to a report by the Chicago Eater.

When ballots were counted in April, seven challenged ballots remained uncounted. After the National Labor Relations Board ruled Aug. 23 those votes would be opened, employees became eligible to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 

"I offer my congratulations to Colectivo Coffee workers for their success in unionizing. It is my hope that a mutually acceptable contract can be negotiated. Organization is a noteworthy accomplishment in this line of work," Mayor Tom Barrett said in an Aug. 27 tweet.

CBS 58 reports all seven ballots were pro-union. This changed the vote from 99-99 to 106-99 in favor of unionization during the recount in August. 

In an open letter to customers, the coffee chain expressed disappointment in the decision, stating a majority of their coworkers did not vote in favor of unionization and several counted votes came from individuals who had previously announced their resignations. Less than one-third of employees supported the union at the final count, the letter states, and they estimate less than 100 of the 440 current employees support unionization as of today.