Seattle's Walrus and the Carpenter to reopen after 8-day employee strike; ownership says guests were harassed

[Omaha Steve]

Source: My Northwest

Jun 26, 2026, 3:23 PM | Updated: 3:24 pm

BY FRANK SUMRALL
MyNorthwest Lead Editor

Employees at The Walrus and the Carpenter, an oyster bar in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, will return to work Friday after reaching a deal and ending an eight-day strike.

Workers ratified a collective bargaining agreement between management, Sea Creatures, and the union United Creatures of the Sea, according to The Seattle Times.

Sea Creatures told the media outlet the two-year contract focuses on The Walrus and the Carpenter’s compensation model.

The restaurant group had been collecting a 22% service charge since January 2025 in place of tips. The company retained the full charge but said 50% was directed toward additional hourly pay for staff. Additional gratuity from customers was still accepted.


Oysters served during happy hour at The Walrus and the Carpenter. (Photo courtesy of The Walrus and the Carpenter)

Read more: https://mynorthwest.com/local/walrus-and-the-carpenter/4250939

[LudwigPastorius]

1. "The company...said 50% was directed toward additional hourly pay for staff."

Last edited Sat Jun 27, 2026, 01:08 AM - Edit history (1)

Sure, Jan. Companies say a lot of things...many not necessarily true.

What a ream job. No wonder they went on strike.

I hope the union clawed back the other half of that "service charge" and put it in the workers' pockets.