Staff at a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Lansing, Michigan, voted to unionize on Thursday, the primary location within the nation to take action.

The employees voted 11-3 to unionize underneath the Worldwide Brotherhood of Teamsters, a significant milestone for the quick meals business, which has struggled to safe staff’ rights for low-wage workers. The business has seen a surge in union exercise after the preliminary section of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly amid the continuing labor scarcity and surging price of residing charges.

“At this time’s victory is an incredible second for our workforce that has labored so exhausting and spent many months organizing,” Samantha Smith, an worker on the Lansing retailer, mentioned in an announcement. “We got down to present that our era could make substantial change on this world and enhance our working circumstances by taking motion collectively.”

The employees selected to unionize after some reported difficulties getting sufficient hours to outlive on their wages of round $13 an hour, The Washington Publish reported. Some workers additionally mentioned they often needed to work in a number of roles throughout regular shifts because of short-staffing.

Scott Quenneville, the pesident of the Teamsters’ Native 243, mentioned the unionization push was emblematic of the bigger effort that has seen workers at Starbucks, Dealer Joe’s and Amazon do the identical.

“Chipotle pulled in income of $7.5 billion final yr, and simply as we’re seeing staff of all ages and backgrounds throughout the nation tackle these company giants, it’s so inspiring to see Chipotle staff arise and demand extra from an organization that may clearly afford it,” Quenneville mentioned in an announcement Thursday. “The Teamsters have these staff’ backs. They’re going to have a union they are often happy with, that is aware of how you can get issues achieved.”

Chipotle has 5 days to file objection to the election. If it doesn’t, the outcomes will likely be licensed and the corporate will likely be required to barter with the union in good religion, CNBC studies.

Chipotle mentioned it was dedicated to listening to its workers in an announcement to the Publish, however mentioned it was upset the employees in Michigan had voted to unionize.

“At Chipotle, our workers are our biggest asset, and we’re dedicated to listening to their wants and persevering with to enhance upon their office expertise,” Laurie Schalow, the chief company affairs officer at Chipotle, advised the outlet. “We’re upset that the workers at our Lansing, MI, restaurant selected to have a 3rd occasion converse on their behalf as a result of we proceed to consider that working straight collectively is greatest for our workers.”

Schalow famous Chipotle gives workers a number of advantages, together with tuition reimbursements, well being plans and bonuses.

The corporate drew sharp criticism final month after it closed a location in Augusta, Maine, after staff there filed for a union election underneath Chipotle United. Chipotle mentioned the choice to shutter the shop was because of staffing considerations, however Chipotle United has filed a criticism alleging the transfer was a retaliatory act.

The corporate this month additionally reached a $20 million settlement with New York Metropolis for violations of employee safety legal guidelines.

Chipotle has about 3,000 shops within the U.S.