A local carpenters' union has been protesting outside Magpie and Insight Coffee Roasters, and both small businesses have felt compelled to respond.

While I haven't seen the protesters at these locations, generally, the disputes are related to the use of union labor on construction projects. In this case, the dispute is related to the upcoming 16 Powerhouse project. Here's the statement from Insight Coffee:

Insight Coffee Roasters is a small Sacramento business founded in 2011. We care deeply about our communities, our workers, and take great pride in our coffee.

Since our founding, we have created many new jobs in Sacramento. In addition to our flagship Roastery & Cafe on 8th and S, we’ve continued to add jobs in 2014 by opening two new cafes on 10th St between J & K and at the Pavilions Shopping Center of Fair Oaks Blvd. We have created professional opportunities and provided a platform for growth for our team. We will continue to do so with our strong patron support.

We are very excited for our 4th location at 16 Powerhouse, a LEED certified project on 16 & P, that is currently under construction. The local Carpenters Union 46 has a dispute with 16 Powerhouse’s contractor, but has decided to protest Insight Coffee Roasters, a tenant to be. Insight Coffee Roasters is a small business with no control or influence to their grievance and find the targeting of our business and aggressive tactics unfortunate.

We remain fully committed to our Mission to provide insight into quality coffee, to our passionate team of skilled baristas, and to the Sacramento community. Thank you for your love and support!

Magpie was similarly felt the need to respond, albeit humorously:

This isn't the right forum to discuss union labor vs. project labor agreements vs. market wages. However, I think that most of us agree that the dispute shouldn't hurt other local businesses like Magpie and Insight Coffee.

I plan on eating/drinking at both of these establishments soon to show my support.

* Photo via Insight Coffee's Web site.

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