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Understanding the Context

The recent union elections at five Compass Coffee locations have been marred by controversy as ballots have been challenged, raising concerns of potential union-busting tactics. Employees initiated union petitions at seven Washington, D.C.-based coffee chain locations, with claims emerging that around 100 ballots are deemed invalid. These contested ballots are alleged to be from recently hired workers by Compass Coffee just before the election, a practice known as 'unit packing.' Such actions can skew election outcomes by strategically hiring individuals likely to vote against unionization.