Coffee companies are going all in on automation. We’re told that it improves efficiency, cuts costs, and yields a better product. But what does it mean for the baristas whose labour these automations displace?
One of those weeks where it seems like nothing’s happening, but then if you dig down a bit there’s a lot going on. Like:
Keurig Dr Pepper is funding a study on farmer income. That’s right, a giant corporation wants to know what we as an industry can do to help improve the lives of the producers who underpin the entire thing. 🤔
Young doctors in the UK are fighting for better pay, so what does their union do? Compare their pay unfavourably with baristas, causing a backlash.
Heine Brothers’ Coffee, the second largest unionized coffee chain in the United States, has tentatively agreed a contract with its workers.
Read the full news roundup over at Fresh Cup Magazine:
If you missed it, you can read my interview with best-selling author and Youtuber John Green (!!!) about the Awesome Coffee Club, systems change in Sierra Leone, and whether or not he’ll ever return to Twitter:
I'm the creator and writer of The Pourover. Based in Scotland, I have over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee industry as a barista, roaster, and writer. Ask me about coffeewashing.
