Baristas at Starbucks in Seal Beach Petition to Unionize Amid Accusations of Union-Busting
Baristas at a Starbucks store in Seal Beach, California have taken a stand against alleged union-busting by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to join Starbucks Workers United. This comes after workers at a Starbucks location in Los Angeles voted to unionize last month, making it the 33rd California store to join the union. Additional stores in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach have also joined the movement.
The employees at the Seal Beach Boulevard store are among 21 Starbucks locations across 14 states where workers are demanding that company CEO Laxman Narasimhan recognize their union. In a letter expressing their frustration, the baristas cited issues such as management’s practice of cutting hours, inconsistent scheduling, and adding more work on fewer partners. They also highlighted Starbucks’ profit-driven behavior, stating that it makes it impossible for them to effectively perform their jobs. Additionally, employees mentioned the challenges they face with constant in-store promotions, dilapidated equipment, and unclean stores.
Since December 2021, nearly 400 Starbucks locations have successfully unionized. Starbucks spokesman Andrew Trull responded to the allegations by emphasizing the company’s commitment to consistent scheduling and predictable hours. He stated that the average hourly wage for US workers at Starbucks is $17.50, which increases to $27 per hour when considering total compensation and benefits. Trull also highlighted Starbucks’ efforts to invest more than 20% of its 2023 profits back into its partners and stores, including wages, training, and equipment. Over the past year, the company has increased the average hours per US employee by 5% and total hourly compensation by nearly 50%.
However, employees like Damian Velazquez, a shift supervisor and organizer at the Seal Beach store, argue that their working conditions are unsatisfactory. They claim that management often ignores their suggestions or concerns and has the discretion to cut hours as they see fit.
The push for unionization has garnered support beyond Starbucks employees. Students at UCLA and UC Riverside have even demanded that their schools sever ties with Starbucks until the company ends its alleged union-busting campaign. Petitions with more than 1,500 signatures were delivered to the universities as part of this effort. Starbucks spokesman Andrew Trull has disputed the claim that the company engages in union-busting.
As the battle between Starbucks workers and management continues, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to these demands for recognition and improved working conditions.
Analyst comment
Positive news for workers seeking to unionize and improve working conditions at Starbucks. Market impact: The market may see some short-term volatility and potential reputational damage for Starbucks, but in the long run, unionizing efforts may lead to improved worker satisfaction and productivity.
