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The Starbucks union, known as Starbucks Workers United, has recently initiated a strike in three major cities – Seattle, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This strike marks the most significant work stoppage for the union since it began its organizing efforts three years ago. The union has announced its intention to escalate the strike until Christmas Eve if Starbucks does not commit to negotiating its first union contract.
Starbucks Workers United has been organizing store by store since December 2021, when it won its first union election in Buffalo. The union has since won the right to represent 12,000 workers at 528 stores across the country, with a decline in support at 100 stores. Despite these victories, this is only a fraction of Starbucks’ 11,200 company-operated stores in the United States, which employ approximately 201,000 workers.
The union’s initial strike in November 2022 saw approximately 100 locations participating, followed by a series of strikes at select represented stores. While many stores were able to stay open during these strikes by using managers and workers from non-unionized stores, there were still ten locations across three cities that were unable to operate as usual.
Starbucks has maintained that its store operations have not been significantly affected by the strikes. However, this recent strike is the most significant action taken by the union since November 2023, despite ongoing negotiations and reported progress throughout the year.
Unlike some recent strikes in other industries, Starbucks Workers United has only called for strikes of predetermined durations against the company. The union has established a framework with Starbucks management since February to negotiate its first labor agreement but claims that management has not fulfilled its obligations.
In a statement released by the union, Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a bargaining delegate and Starbucks barista, stated that the strike was a last resort due to Starbucks’ failure to provide a viable economic proposal for its workers. The union is committed to negotiating a contract but has stated that negotiations have been terminated by the company.
Starbucks has defended its compensation and benefits program, stating that it offers an average wage of over $18 per hour and various benefits, including health care, tuition assistance, paid family leave, and stock grants. However, the union argues that Starbucks management has regressed since the new CEO, Brian Niccol, took over in September.
Michelle Eisen, an organizer for Starbucks Workers United, claims that the company has failed to present viable economic proposals since September, despite making progress in earlier months. Eisen stated that the union was prepared to take any necessary action to hold the company accountable for its commitments.
The union has pointed to the executive compensation of the new CEO, Brian Niccol, as evidence that Starbucks has the means to improve its treatment of workers. Niccol was granted 332,000 shares of Starbucks stock as part of his contract, valued at $29.5 million as of the recent close of trading.
In conclusion, the Starbucks union strike is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to secure better working conditions and fair treatment for Starbucks workers. The union’s determination to negotiate its first union contract and hold Starbucks management accountable for its commitments is a testament to the strength and resilience of the workers in their fight for better wages and benefits.
