On the evening of Thursday, September 12th a correspondent of the HPR spent an hour at the protest of Insomnia Cookies organized by the Industrial Workers of the World. Approximately 25 protesters gathered outside of Insomnia, chanting and holding signs. The protest was sparked by allegations that Insomnia pays workers below the minimum wage, engages in unfair labor practices, and does not allow workers legally required breaks. The HPR spoke with Insomnia workers, protesters, and random passers by. Below are a collection of their thoughts and reflections.
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“I’d support it if I could afford it” – Insomnia worker on the protests
“I don’t know; we don’t have great numbers for that. But I would say that a picket line outside Insomnia Cookies does help to deter students. I think students care” – Student protester on whether the protests have discouraged students from buying cookies
“Maybe it’s some frat thing? No, maybe Syria”- Confused freshman wandering by
“I’ve worked in the restaurant industry before, and it’s grueling. If you’re going to bust ass at that you deserve to be compensated.” – Protestor on why he supports the workers
“Um yeah, why not?” – Insomnia delivery worker on joining a union
“I think the situation of the bike drivers was especially exploitative” – Protester on Insomnia
“I would say it’s your regular chain store sort of crappy job” – Insomnia delivery worker on working at Insomnia
“It’s special because it’s here; their workers care, they’re out, they’re working.” – Harvard student protester on why to prioritize Insomnia
“I’m in favor of them doing their thing. I think my thoughts are that ‘how could they not know this was a crappy job going into it?’” – Insomnia delivery worker on the protests
“No union, no peace. No justice, no peace. No justice, no cookies.” – Protest chant