Union organizers host a "break-up" with Starbucks protest at University of Washington
UW United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) gathered in front of Suzzallo Library to protest UW’s contract with Starbucks on Feb. 14.
Protest calls for cancellation of Starbucks contract
Students demand a new coffee supplier on campus
Seattle, WA – In a fiery display of frustration, the University of Washington (UW) campus witnessed a protest organized by UW United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) on Feb. 14. The protest aimed to pressure the university to sever ties with coffee giant Starbucks, and instead, find an alternative coffee supplier. Chanting slogans like “What’s disgusting, union busting” and displaying signs that read “Steal kisses not wages,” the student activists voiced their discontent with the university's ongoing partnership with Starbucks.
The demonstration, which took place in front of the Suzzallo Library, attracted a significant gathering of students and faculty members who shared the sentiment of ending the long-standing contract. The event included speeches from representatives of Starbucks Workers United, the Union of Academic Student Employees (UAW 4121), and a chef from Center Table.
This protest is not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, students gathered at Lakeview Park to protest against UW's decade-long contract with Starbucks. The Feb. 14 demonstration was an extension of the ongoing battle, with students urging UW President Ana Mari Cauce to take action and terminate the contract.
Sofia Torres, co-chair of USAS, shed light on the motivation behind the students' campaign, explaining the need to increase pressure on UW to cut ties with Starbucks. Bruce Halstead, a union organizer and member of Starbucks Workers United, elaborated on the growing discontent within the UW community toward the corporation.
This discontent is not unwarranted. According to a survey conducted by the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies in August 2023, over 67% of UW students expressed their willingness to support an alternative coffee supplier if one were available on campus. Alarmingly, 81% of respondents held a neutral or negative view of Starbucks.
Ari Flawau, the secretary general of the UW RSO Anakbayan, spoke about the significance of participating in this protest and standing in solidarity with the cause. Nelson Niu, a graduate student in the mathematics department, also voiced his support on behalf of UAW 4121.
University spokesperson Victor Balta addressed the concerns raised by the protesters, stating that all revenue generated from Starbucks sales is managed by HFS. Balta emphasized that the relationship between Starbucks and UW goes beyond financial transactions.
Starbucks' contract with UW is scheduled to expire on June 30. Balta revealed that the renewal process will involve a comprehensive review by a diverse group of stakeholders, in accordance with the procurement protocols mandated by the state. As a state institution, UW must adhere to these guidelines.
The fate of the Starbucks-UW partnership now hangs in the balance, as student activists continue to advocate for a change and seek an alternative coffee supplier on campus.
Analyst comment
Neutral news. The protest against UW’s contract with Starbucks reflects student dissatisfaction with the company. If the university cancels the contract, it could open the door for another coffee supplier on campus. However, the renewal process will involve a review and consideration of procurement protocols, making the outcome uncertain.
