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Union Coffee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Team Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... Union. Responsibilities: * Build sales through excellent product execution, guest service, and team management. * Ensure coffee, tea, and espresso drinks are correctly and efficiently prepared to ...

Baristas

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

... Union with easy access to the bus system. Responsibilities include: * Ensure coffee, tea, and espresso drinks are correctly and efficiently prepared to Sweetwaters standards. * Provide friendly ...

... the union * Position starting at $18/hr * Monday-Friday schedule; up to 40hrs/week * Medical, Vision and Dental insurance * Free and discounted coffee benefits * 401(k) and company matching after ...

Assistant Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

This Sweetwaters is located in the vibrant and busy University of Michigan Student Union with easy access to bus routes. Responsibilities: * Ensure coffee, tea, and espresso drinks are correctly and ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... coffee in an old-world style café environment. Our newly launched dinner service is our take on ... Union (Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023-25) is a community-centric love letter to the pride and joy of ...

Showing results 41-60

Union Coffee information

See salary details

$7

$15

$18

How much do union coffee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for union coffee in the United States is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Union Coffee worker?

A Union Coffee worker typically refers to an employee at a coffee shop or café that is unionized, meaning they are represented by a labor union. These workers may have negotiated contracts that outline their wages, benefits, and working conditions. Being part of a union can provide coffee shop employees with greater job security and a collective voice when addressing workplace concerns. Unionization in the coffee industry has been growing as workers seek improved standards and rights in their workplaces.

What is the difference between Union Coffee vs Barista?

AspectUnion CoffeeBarista
Required CredentialsBasic food safety, customer service skillsFood safety, customer service, often barista training
Work EnvironmentCoffee shops, cafes, retail settingsCoffee shops, cafes, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by coffee cooperatives, unions, and retail chainsCommonly used by individual cafes and chains
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in coffee industryPeople seeking barista roles or training

Union Coffee typically refers to roles within coffee cooperatives or unionized coffee workplaces, emphasizing collective bargaining and industry standards. A barista is a frontline coffee shop employee responsible for preparing and serving coffee beverages. While both roles involve working in coffee environments, Union Coffee often relates to organizational or union-related positions, whereas a barista is a customer-facing role focused on service and beverage preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by baristas working in a unionized coffee shop, and how can they overcome them?

Baristas in unionized coffee shops often encounter unique challenges such as navigating collective bargaining processes, balancing individual responsibilities with team-wide union initiatives, and ensuring clear communication between staff and management. These environments may require baristas to stay informed about union policies, participate in regular meetings, and advocate for workplace improvements. Overcoming these challenges involves developing strong teamwork skills, staying proactive about ongoing union updates, and fostering open dialogue with both colleagues and supervisors to ensure a positive and collaborative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barista at Union Coffee?

To thrive as a Barista at Union Coffee, you need a solid understanding of coffee preparation, customer service, and food safety, often supported by prior experience or basic barista training. Familiarity with espresso machines, grinders, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and possibly certifications like a food handler’s card are typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and a friendly demeanor help you connect with customers and work efficiently with teammates. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality beverages, outstanding customer experiences, and smooth café operations.
More about Union Coffee jobs
What cities are hiring for Union Coffee jobs? Cities with the most Union Coffee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coffee jobs? The most popular types of Coffee jobs are:
What states have the most Union Coffee jobs? States with the most job openings for Union Coffee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Union Coffee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,343 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$16 - $17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule

Job description
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is looking for Team Leads/Shift Leads that enjoy working with people, leading a team, and making coffee, espresso, and tea beverages. We are an established, premium coffeehouse brand that was founded in Ann Arbor and has been operating successfully for over 30 years. This Sweetwaters is located on the north campus of the University of Michigan inside Pierpont Commons Student Union.
Responsibilities:
  • Build sales through excellent product execution, guest service, and team management.
  • Ensure coffee, tea, and espresso drinks are correctly and efficiently prepared to Sweetwaters standards.
  • Encourage and guide the team to meet marketing & sales goals during every shift
  • Ability to lead the team on guest service, training, product quality, merchandising, cleanliness, and food safety
  • Provide friendly, accurate, and efficient guest service.
  • Execute accurate and proper cash handling procedures.
  • Ensure the café is clean, organized, and inviting at all times.
  • Maintain and communicate your knowledge of the coffee, teas, and other products offered at Sweetwaters.
  • Supports GM in preparing and submitting weekly orders
  • Supports GM in completing the monthly inventory counts and mark-out tracking

Requirements:
  • Food service experience.
  • Proven sales experience.
  • Must enjoy working with people, be able to multi-task, and work in a busy, fast paced environment.
  • Must have strong guest service skills, be friendly, accurate, and efficient, enjoy drinking coffee or tea, and be passionate about quality
  • Must be available weekends.
  • Must be available at least 15 hours/week and have some weekend availability.
  • Loves to laugh and work in a positive environment.
  • Ability to lift and or move up to 30 lbs.

Preferred Experience:
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Leadership experience.

Education:
  • High school or equivalent

Training Offered
Management training offered to qualified candidates.
Compensation & Benefits
$16-$17 per hour*
*Hourly rate includes tips. Minimum 15 hours per week

Brewed coffees, teas, and Cold Brews are a perk during shifts!
Opportunity for professional advancement in our growing company.
Compensation: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is a strong brand and a dynamic minority owned, woman led company that is constantly growing. We are a coffeehouse focused on providing an excellent guest experience and the highest quality, globally inspired beverages in a warm, friendly, beautiful atmosphere. Sweetwaters has been voted best cafes in many of the areas we are located. We are looking for talented, friendly, outgoing people to be a part of our team, grow with us, and share in our success.
It starts with our mission
We don't like to call it a mission statement. It's more like a promise statement. Whatever you want to call it, we believe in it deeply, and we like those that join us to understand and believe in it too. So here it is, our promise: To make our guests' day. It's as simple as that.
If we can do that, we've done well. And if you think you can help us do it too, then please, keep reading.
A few good men & women
We just like good people. The Sweetwaters experience is built on this principle. If you provide guests with a gourmet product in an environment that is both upscale and relaxing, all served by great people, then you've got it. And if you think you'd like to help us fulfill this promise, please let us know. We're always on the lookout for good people. Baristas, managers, all around coffee lovers-we need them all.
Company Website:

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