MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Workers at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company gathered this week to officially launch their contract campaign, marking the next step in their effort to negotiate with FairWave Holdings LLC, the private-equity-backed firm that acquired the company in 2023.

All Anodyne employees agreed to unionize in the spring by signing union authorization and membership cards. Workers say the negotiation process with FairWave has been delayed, leading to frustration among staff.

"Your effort to dismantle our union and invalidate our rights has only strengthened and empowered us more," employee Sabrina Prochaska said. "I can assure you that we will do whatever it takes to earn living wages for all Anodyne workers at the bargaining table."

Under the slogan "Ready to bargain, ready to fight," employees say they will seek higher wages, adjustments to hours and scheduling and improved working conditions through upcoming negotiations.