Union baristas have been busy. ✊🔥
Here’s a recap about what’s been happening over the last couple of weeks:
- Partners won the 700th union election (and then some!)… congratulations to partners in Alabama, Illinois, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and New York! - As Starbucks opens up new corporate offices in Nashville, TN, workers organized to let the company know Nashville is a union town! We rallied with members of the city’s metro council and community leaders. If Starbucks is going to call Nashville home, they need to follow labor law and stop union-busting. - According to recent reports, United Nations human rights experts sent a letter to Starbucks and the US government, asking them to address questions about incidents where the company called the police on baristas and harassed workers who were participating in federally protected protests.
- In Evanston, IL, Mayor Daniel Bliss joined Starbucks workers to call on the company to comply with the city’s Fair Work Week laws and finalize fair union contracts. Mayor Bliss told reporters the city has heard credible allegations of law violations by Starbucks.
- Allies, customers, and baristas took to the streets over the weekend for a Community Day of Action! Nationwide, allies spoke with Starbucks customers and shared our union’s fight to get the company to bargain in good faith. Many were surprised that it would cost Starbucks LESS THAN ONE DAY’S SALES to finalize fair union contracts for over 12,000 baristas. Thank you to everyone that joined us! REMEMBER: DON’T BUY STARBUCKS until the company finalizes those union contracts! No contract, no coffee! #tobeapartner #greenaproncreator #starbuckscreator
As a barista myself, I've witnessed firsthand the growing momentum behind the unionization movement at Starbucks. It’s not just about better wages; it’s about dignity, respect, and safe working conditions. The recent milestone of winning the 700th union election shows how determined workers across multiple states are to have their voices heard. The efforts in Nashville, organizing alongside local government leaders, illustrate the power of community solidarity in advancing workers’ rights. This public pressure is crucial in pushing Starbucks corporate offices to acknowledge union demands, especially given the allegations of union-busting and police involvement to intimidate protesting workers. The involvement of United Nations human rights experts is striking and highlights how labor rights in the US are being scrutinized on a global stage. It’s motivating to know that we’re not alone; international voices support our call for fair treatment. In Evanston, IL, the city mayor standing with baristas adds another layer of authority behind our demands. His comments on hearing credible allegations against Starbucks reinforce that these issues are real and require immediate action. What’s been inspiring is the Community Day of Action nationwide, where allies, customers, and baristas join forces to educate people on the importance of fair union contracts. Many are shocked to learn that finalizing these contracts would cost Starbucks less than one day’s sales — a small price for ensuring fairness to thousands of employees. From my own experience on the job, unionizing brings hope and empowerment. We want customers to understand the stakes involved: 'No contract, no coffee' is not just a slogan but a stand for justice. Until Starbucks commits to good-faith bargaining, boycotting Starbucks encourages the company to take our demands seriously. This movement is about building a better workplace and future for all baristas, and each small victory strengthens our union’s resolve to fight for fair wages, reasonable schedules, and safe workplaces. It’s truly inspiring to see solidarity across cities and states, making it clear that Starbucks baristas are unstoppable when united.
