Portland bistro unionizes … then goes bankrupt

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Northwest Portland French bistro Alouette opened its doors on May 27^th, 2023 and just a few short weeks later employees filed to unionized

In an Instagram post, the Alouette United workers stated that: “Our success in these first six weeks is a testament to the aptitude and professionalism of the staff. This success has come at the cost to our physical and mental well being. As a result, we recognize that this business model is not sustainable and requires transformation.”

Owner Wei-En Tan apparently agreed that this arrangement was not sustainable because she decided to shutter Alouette’s doors for good.  The unionization filing was most likely the final nail in the coffin of many challenges the owner faced.

The pandemic hit the restaurant industry especially hard. Average profit margins are only  3-5%, and Oregon restaurants suffered under several forced shutdowns by former Governor Kate Brown.  The industry is making a comeback but facing strong challenges from rising food costs, a labor shortage, and high rents.  Inflation is also slowing consumer demand because diners have less money to spend eating out.

Seems like Alouette’s workers have unionized themselves right out of a job.