It's so true what's been said about the challenges of working at Starbucks. When you hear about understaffing, it's not just an inconvenience; it trickles down into every aspect of our lives, making it incredibly hard to make ends meet or even feel safe at work. I've spent a significant amount of time as a barista, and I can tell you firsthand, it's been a multitude of tumultuous events, especially when you're constantly expected to be on solo shifts. I remember starting out. As a new employee, I was often scheduled for "solo store" shifts, sometimes from early afternoon until closing. Imagine being the only person responsible for everything – taking orders, making drinks, cleaning, restocking – for hours on end. It's an extremely stressful time, and it makes you question if this is really a place you can thrive. You're trying to learn everything, but you're also expected to do it all perfectly while being the only one there. This isn't just my experience; I've heard countless others echo similar sentiments. The impact of erratic and insufficient scheduling is massive. As a college student, I've really struggled to sometimes pay my rent bills and other utility bills. It's a common story when you're scheduled 20 or less hours per week, which happens far too often. How are you supposed to cover basic living expenses, let alone save anything, when your hours are constantly cut? This isn't just about personal finances; it directly affects our ability to qualify for the very benefits Starbucks advertises. You need a certain number of hours to access healthcare or tuition reimbursement, but if they don't give you those hours, it's a constant battle. Even partners affiliated with the Arizona State University program, who are trying to complete their successful education experience, face severe scheduling issues. Management often doesn't seem to grasp the need for consistent hours for both financial stability and academic success. It feels like the company benefits from our hard work, but when it comes to supporting us with stable employment, things fall short. This is why organizing for a union isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. We're not asking for the moon; we're asking for a workplace where every partner can pay their rent, get the benefit hours they need, and do our jobs safely. Starbucks boasts about its partner-first culture, but the reality on the ground often contradicts that. If Starbucks truly wants to thrive, the path that leads back to being a company that values its employees begins with finalizing a fair union contract. We need guaranteed staffing hours, fair take home pay, and robust job protections so we can actually focus on making great coffee and providing excellent service, instead of constantly worrying about our next paycheck or an impossible solo shift.