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A coalition of 45 organizations—from labor union federations to political entities—signed a letter urging Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol to finalize a first contract with Starbucks Workers United (SBWU).
The organizations, which collectively represent 85 million people, include high-profile unions like the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of Government Employees. Political organizations also signed the letter, showing their support for the unionizing Starbucks workers, like Sunrise Movement, Democratic Socialists of America, and the Working Families Party.
“We are writing to impress upon you the importance of making peace with the baristas who make the Starbucks experience what it is and working together with them to finalize fair union contracts”, the letter reads.
Since winning its first union election in late 2021, SBWU has spread across the country. Over 650 Starbucks stores have unionized. Negotiations on a first contract have stalled, however, with both sides blaming the other for the breakdown.
“Starbucks union baristas have inspired people all over the world with their ambitious, hope-filled campaign for a stronger future,” AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said in a press release. “Now, working people are united in solidarity with union baristas from coast to coast who are organizing their union and fighting for the fair contract they have earned.”
Meanwhile, workers in three states launched a class action lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the coffee behemoth of violating the law by changing its dress code but refusing to reimburse employees who had to spend their own money to buy code-compliant outfits.
Brooke Allen, one of the plaintiffs, told the Associated Press that she has spent more than $100 to purchase clothes and shoes that fit the new policy. “I think it’s extremely tone deaf on the company’s part to expect their employees to completely redesign their wardrobe without any compensation,” she said. “A lot of us are already living paycheck to paycheck.”
SBWU called for a strike in May, with over 2,000 workers representing 120 stores walking off the job. “This policy change puts the burden on baristas, many of whom are already struggling to get by, to buy new clothes or risk being disciplined,” union organizer Michelle Eisen said at the time.
Starbucks declined to comment on the lawsuit, but told the AP that the dress code change was to offer a more consistent experience to its customers. They also claimed to provide all baristas with two free shirts.
