The fight for a better Starbucks continues ✊
Today marks one of the biggest union filing days in Starbucks Workers United history. Inspired by union baristas' coast-to-coast fight to end union busting and win a fair contract that improves worker pay, hours and staffing, hundreds more baristas across the country across 18 cities in 15 states are seeking to join a growing nationwide movement of Starbucks baristas working together to win a real voice on the job and the support and protections they need to succeed. The filings come on the heels of more than 250 new union baristas at 13 stores who have won their union elections since the national ULP strike began on November 13.
“I’m inspired by the power that union baristas are building across the nation. My coworkers and I are excited to add our voices to the growing movement,” said Dream Cooper (she/her), a two-year barista from Syracuse, N.Y. who filed for union election. “We want to build a better future at Starbucks—which is exactly why we’re so committed to this fight for the treatment we know we deserve.”
“Our union continues to grow stronger each and every day as new baristas join our ranks and as more and more customers, allies, elected officials, and unions across the labor movement back our cause,” said Diego Franco (he/him), a striking Chicago barista who has worked at Starbucks for six years. “We know that together, we can—and we will—win. Until Starbucks stops union busting and finalizes a fair contract with the pay, hours, and protections we need to succeed, our message is simple: ‘No contract, no coffee!’”
Follow us on social media for continued updates, and sign our No Contract No Coffee pledge to commit to not crossing a picket line as well as receive local calls to action. Link in bio!
The ongoing Starbucks union movement is a significant step toward addressing long-standing labor challenges faced by baristas nationwide. Starbucks workers are not only advocating for fairer wages and more consistent hours but are also demanding solutions to workplace discrimination and improved benefit eligibility, which have been persistent issues. The union's recent filings across 18 cities and 15 states demonstrate a strong collective effort to secure a legitimate voice at work amidst continued resistance from management. Workers highlight the prevalence of unfair labor practices by Starbucks, with authorities identifying hundreds of violations, including recent findings in New York City that expose breaches of workplace protection laws. These challenges underline the urgency for Starbucks to return to the bargaining table with reasonable contract proposals that address the root causes of dissatisfaction. To support this movement, the union calls on customers to join their "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge, encouraging them to refuse Starbucks products until a fair contract is reached. This pledge is a powerful way to amplify the baristas’ voices and put public pressure on Starbucks to end union busting and respect workers' rights. This movement is part of a larger national labor push where employee empowerment is increasingly prioritized within the service and retail industries. By standing together, Starbucks baristas are contributing to a broader dialogue about fair labor standards and workplace respect. Their struggle resonates with many who seek equitable treatment and sustainable employment conditions in their workplaces. As more baristas organize and secure union recognition, the hope is that Starbucks will implement comprehensive reforms, including adequate staffing to reduce burnout, fair scheduling practices to ensure consistent income and benefits, and strong contracts that protect against discrimination and retaliation. For supporters wanting to stay updated or get involved, following the union's social media presence and pledging not to cross picket lines are practical steps to help sustain momentum. This approach fosters solidarity among workers, customers, and allies in labor rights, creating a united front seeking meaningful change at one of the largest coffeehouse chains in the world.
