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It has been almost five years since the first Starbucks location unionized in Buffalo, New York. And more than two years after negotiations began, Starbucks Workers United still waits for a first contract.
Over the past several months, the union has increased pressure on the company to finalize a contract, staging multiple strikes and urging customers to delete the Starbucks app. Now, workers are calling for patrons to boycott the brand.
“At a time when working-class people across the country are struggling in a challenging economy, it is no longer possible to be both a Starbucks customer and in support of workers,” the union said in a statement. “Choosing to spend money at Starbucks is choosing a law-breaking corporation over the baristas who make your coffee everyday exactly as you ask for it.”
The first Starbucks unionized in December 2021, and bargaining began in 2024. However, contract negotiations stalled a year later, with both sides blaming the other for lack of progress. Starbucks continues to claim that it is willing to negotiate. “As we have always been, we’re committed to engaging in productive bargaining,” spokesperson Jaci Anderson told the Seattle Times.
Starbucks Workers United currently represents about 700 stores and 12,000 workers across the U.S. Last week, the union claimed at least one victory: Starbucks stopped using a blending powder that workers had said was causing health issues. “We know our collective action prompted the company to direct stores to remove the powder by the end of August,” barista Jasmine Leli told the New York Times. Starbucks said the removal was part of its standard seasonal drink rotation.
