BALTIMORE — Baby’s On Fire Cafe is set to close its doors in the near future, as announced in an Instagram update on Friday.
Owners Shirlé Hale-Koslowski and David Koslowski attributed their decision to “significant losses in revenue,” confirming that the cafe and record store located in Mount Vernon will serve its last customers on Sunday, July 19.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Mount Vernon community and all of Baltimore for your support throughout the years. It has been a joy to be part of this community and to serve each one of you. We also want to acknowledge our staff for their dedication and efforts. You have all made Baby’s On Fire a truly exceptional place, and we will cherish every memory we’ve created here,” stated the owners.
This announcement follows recent efforts by the cafe’s employees to unionize under the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27, which advocates for essential workers across Baltimore and Maryland.
According to the employees’ statements, the Koslowskis have been managing the business from Europe since its inception in 2016. They noted that they have kept the cafe operational while the owners have been in Portugal.
“Our intention has always been to enhance the sustainability of Baby’s On Fire through a unionized workforce, but the owners have denied us that opportunity,” expressed the workers.
In an Instagram post, employees revealed that they had submitted a “Request for Voluntary Recognition” to the owners on June 22, seeking support for their unionization.
After a week without a response, the workers decided to petition the National Labor Relations Board for a union election.
The employees mentioned that they would be willing to withdraw the petition should the owners voluntarily acknowledge their union.
Fast forward to Friday, when the employees were informed of the impending closure of the cafe, scheduled to happen in less than two weeks.
“This decision by the owners, Shirlé Hale-Koslowski and David Koslowski, demonstrates a complete lack of consideration for us as employees and any intent to act in good faith,” shared the workers. “Many of us live paycheck to paycheck and lack access to our paystubs, and this has caused significant anxiety.”
Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27, believes that it is clear the owners chose to close the business in response to the workers’ unionization efforts.
“This establishment has been a beloved part of the community for a decade. There is no justification for shutting it down, other than the owners preferring to eliminate job opportunities rather than honor the employees’ right to unionize. This is a classic example of union-busting,” Chorpenning stated.
In response to the closure, the workers have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance to employees facing living expenses during this challenging time.
