NYC Tabletop Customers March on Management

Customers of the family of boardgame cafe stores owned by Jon Freeman and Greg May (Hex&Co, the Uncommons, the Brooklyn Strategist) marched on management this week in solidarity with workers, pushing back on management’s contract proposal that would limit workers’ right to discuss the union at the workplace as long as it does not interfere with their job duties.

In their letter to the owners they say: "We implore you to reconsider, at a time when many of our rights are under attack by people in power, to reject the cynicism of austerity and censorship… When we come to your shops, we find an open, supportive, and community-oriented space for our hobbies. Please bargain with your employees in good faith so we can continue to build this important space."

A recent survey of nearly 300 customers demonstrated that 97% are more likely “to support these businesses knowing that they have a unionized workforce.” Nearly 2000 customers have signed a pledge to boycott the businesses if asked to do so, and the members of Tabletop Workers United have raised more than $15,000 in their strike fund as well as overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike should management not meaningfully negotiate with them.

Tabletop Workers United members unionized in late 2023 and have been in contract negotiations with ownership since February 2024. Workers will continue to work alongside their community to mobilize for their contract demands as well as for a more equitable game community at large.