Topline
Three Starbucks stores voted to unionize Friday, bringing the total to 70 stores as the drive to unionize the coffee chain gains momentum.
The Starbucks logo hangs outside one of the company’s cafes in Northwich, England.
Key Facts
Two California stores and a location in Grand Rapids, Mich., voted to unionize Friday.
A total of 250 stores have filed for elections to unionize.
Key Background
Howard Schultz, who stepped back into the role of CEO in an interim capacity in April, worked to quash unionization efforts during his prior stints with the company, and in a leaked April video, he criticized. Starbucks Workers United as an “outside force.”. The union has accused management of firing organizers and cutting barista hours at unionized shops. Schultz last week said he was considering increasing benefits for non-unionized workers, pointing to federal labor law as preventing higher pay or other changes to employment for unionized workers.
Crucial Quote
“I’m not an anti-union person. I am pro-Starbucks, pro-partner, pro-Starbucks culture. We didn’t get here by having a union,” said Schultz.
Tangent
A Maryland-based Apple Store began organizing in early May, making it the third to try to form a union.
Further Reading
Partners Becoming Partners (SBWorkersUnited)
Starbucks Union Campaign Continues Its Momentum (New York Times)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaliedrago/2022/05/13/70-starbucks-locations-have-now-voted-to-unionize/