Starbucks Workers in Chicago File Petitions to Unionize, Joining Nationwide Movement
Workers at two Starbucks locations in the Chicago area have taken a stand by filing petitions with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize with Starbucks Workers United. This move was part of a flurry of filings that took place in February, with baristas from 21 Starbucks stores across 14 states joining the cause. It marked the largest single-day filing since the campaign began in 2021.
In an unprecedented show of unity, workers from the 21 stores co-authored a letter addressed to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan, announcing their organizing push. The letter highlighted several key issues, including the cutting of hours, inconsistent schedules, and increased workloads without proper compensation. They emphasized their role as the face of Starbucks and demanded respect and dignity, asserting that they deserved equal treatment to that of the CEO.
This campaign, led by workers through peer-to-peer organizing, is being hailed as one of the most successful in decades. Its central focus is on improving the working conditions of Starbucks employees, including fair wages, equitable scheduling, and policies addressing discrimination and harassment.
Hawthorne Williams, a barista and organizer at the Madison & Wells location, expressed the motivation behind the unionizing efforts as a belief in deserving a workplace where employees are respected and valued for their input. Lee Yancy, a shift supervisor at the 58th & Western location, emphasized the need for a union to protect partners and provide them with a voice within the company.
The push for unionization extends beyond the Chicago area, with workers from Starbucks stores in various states also filing for union elections. These efforts form part of a broader movement by Starbucks workers across the nation, demanding an end to the company’s alleged illegal union-busting campaign and a commitment to negotiate a contract in good faith. In fact, federal administrative law judges have already found Starbucks guilty of over 400 violations of federal labor law.
Since December 2021, nearly 400 Starbucks stores across the United States have successfully unionized as part of the movement led by Starbucks Workers United. Their aim is to build a better Starbucks across America, with improved working conditions and fair treatment for all employees.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Starbucks Workers in Chicago File Petitions to Unionize, Joining Nationwide Movement
As an analyst, the market is likely to see increased pressure on Starbucks to address the concerns raised by workers and negotiate a contract in good faith. This could lead to improved working conditions and fair treatment for employees, but it may also result in increased costs for Starbucks as they navigate the unionization process and potential contract negotiations.
