The James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Leadership Awards recognized The Burgerville Workers Union on Sunday in its Emerging Leadership class.

In a statement, the foundation noted that the Burgerville Workers Union is an independent collective voice of Burgerville workers, whose goal is to win better working conditions by building union power on the shop floor.”

Vancouver, Washington-based Burgerville has most of its outlets in Oregon.

“The member-run union, a part of the Portland brand of the Industrial Workers of the World, successfully negotiated the country’s first-ever fast-food union contract in 2021. The contract provisions included wage increases, paid vacation time, in-store tipping at all unionized locations and an end to at-will employment. The 2021 contract applied to five of the fast-food chain’s stores in the Pacific Northwest and has since inspired union action at other food service businesses across the country.”

A spokesperson for Burgerville Workers Union commented, “We feel encouraged that working class people in our industry fighting for a better world are not written out of history and that their achievements spark an inspiration in other workers to demand a seat at the table for safe and healthy workplaces. Just a few years ago, worker power in our industry was few and today we are many. May this award go to the many more tomorrow who will join in the struggle, fight and win a better world for all working folk.”

The James Beard Awards recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability and a culture where all can thrive. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing leaders in the culinary and food media industries.

For more, see jamesbeard.org/awards.