October 23, 2019
Statement from Burgerville USA
Last week, Burgerville and the Burgerville Workers Union met for two days for
collective bargaining. Burgerville and the union were able to come to agreement on
most items being negotiated except wages. The union was not willing to accept
Burgerville’s proposed wage increases.
“Burgerville is a 58-year-old, locally owned and operated company that invests in
the entire region through our employees, our communities, and our farmers and
ranchers. The union can walk away, but we’re not. We will be here tomorrow and
the next day and the next day working hard for our guests, our employees, and our
region,” said Burgerville CEO Jill Taylor.
Wages remain an area of disagreement. The union originally asked for a $5/hour
increase in hourly wages for unionized workers only, which at the time would have
brought starting wages to $17/hour at the five unionized Burgerville restaurants.
This would have been a 36% increase for approximately 12% of the workforce. Only
five of Burgerville’s 41 locations are unionized.
Last week, Burgerville announced taking out a $3 million loan to increase wages for
all crew members at all restaurants by $1/hour. Starting December 30, 2019,
Burgerville workers everywhere will make a minimum of $13.50/hour plus tips,
which currently range from $0.82-$4.24/hour depending on the location. In Oregon,
this increase means Burgerville workers will make above minimum wage for at least
the next year and a half.
Burgerville is also increasing the higher end of the pay scale and the pace at which
employees move up that pay scale. The high end of the range is now $16.18/hour
plus tips.
“Our employees are at the heart of Burgerville. We have been working to better
meet their needs. The Burgerville Workers Union has helped us see some of those
needs. Our intention is to make the Pacific Northwest the healthiest region on the
planet. We would love the union’s help to achieve that,” Taylor said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the new wage increases announced from Burgerville simply keep pace with
state-mandated minimum wage increases?
The new wage increases were already planned for Burgerville restaurants in
Washington, where state-mandated minimum wage increases to $13.50/hour on
January 1, 2020. In Oregon, state-mandated minimum wage increases come on July
1, 2020, when they move to $13.25/hour in the three Portland Metro counties, and
$12/hour everywhere else. In comparison, new Burgerville employees will make
$13.50/hour at all locations, plus tips and opportunities to quickly move up the pay
scale from there.

 Did Burgerville need the loan to pay for state-mandated minimum-wage increases?
No, Burgerville was already planning for and able to comply with state-mandated
minimum-wage increases without a loan. The loan enabled Burgerville to increase
Oregon employees’ wages early, increase the higher end of the pay scale, and
increase the rate at which employees can move up the pay scale and advance in
their careers.
What other benefits does BV offer?
Other employee benefits that Burgerville already offers include affordable health
insurance, life
insurance, sick leave, career advancement opportunities, an annual scholarship
program, and financial resources for any employee in need through Oregon’s
nonprofit Save First Financial Wellness.
How much is Burgerville health insurance? How does one qualify?
All employees working more than 30 hours/week qualify for Burgerville health
insurance. The cost to the employee is $35/month. Burgerville pays the remainder,
which averages $512 per employee. This year, annual health insurance premiums
increases, and Burgerville absorbed 100% of that increase, keeping employee
contributions to $35/month.
Does Burgerville provide healthcare for transgender employees?
Yes, Burgerville health insurance covers transgender employees. Burgerville has
always supported its transgender employees.
Is Burgerville treating union members and employees of color differently in its
restaurants?
Burgerville has clear employment policies that are fairly and consistently enforced
across the board regarding shift meals, attendance, safety and other matters.
About Burgerville
Burgerville is a Northwest-grown company established in Vancouver, Wash. in 1961.
Burgerville employs more than 1,600 people at locations throughout Oregon and
Washington. It was one of the first, and remains one of the few, fast-food
restaurants in the nation to offer affordable health insurance to hourly employees.
Average employee tenure is 32 months – 33 percent longer than the industry
average.