Over 50 Democrats Boycott Six DC Restaurants Over Union Dispute

Over 50 Democratic lawmakers, including prominent figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nancy Pelosi, and Bernie Sanders, have pledged to boycott six high-end Washington, D.C., restaurants in support of unionization efforts led by the hospitality workers' union Unite Here Local 25. The boycott targets restaurants owned by STARR and Knightsbridge groups, including Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza, and Rasika, which have been accused of union-busting practices. The restaurant groups have condemned the boycott as baseless and harmful to their employees, noting that many workers reportedly oppose union representation. This political action reflects the Democratic Party's strategy to regain support among working-class voters following losses in the 2024 election. The boycott is intended to pressure these restaurants by discouraging visits and fundraisers, aiming to amplify the workers' organizing efforts and highlight labor issues within the hospitality industry. The development is also fueling discussions about the influence of political activism on local businesses and the broader economic and social dynamics in Washington, D.C.