Effort To Unionize Starbucks Employees Gains Momentum

The movement to unionize Starbucks workers is gathering momentum with workers at more than 100 coffee shops in close to 20 states organizing protests. The first walkout occurred at two Starbucks in Buffalo, New York in December 2021.

On a recent weekend morning supporters protested outside a Starbucks in Overland Park, Kansas, a Kansas City suburb, chanting, “What’s disgusting, union busting!”

With placards in their hands, they joined employees marching around the parking lot. The occasional driver honked a horn in solidarity.

“We’re out here to support our union brothers and sisters. It is for the people,” said Jay Bosler, a local UAW member.

For years Starbucks workers have complained about working conditions and few benefits which the pandemic likely revealed in greater detail at the Seattle-based company and in the food and beverage industry nationwide. Last week the coffee giant’s CEO Kevin Johnson stepped down and founder Howard Schulz will return as interim CEO.

American workers have the right to join a union. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act codifies that right and Section 8 says an employer cannot legally fire or discriminate against an employee for union activity.

Amid the backdrop of ‘The Great Resignation’ with millions of workers leaving their jobs to pursue new careers and opportunities, the nation has faced a labor shortage. Companies have been forced to offer incentives and higher wages. Yet, the national minimum wage remains $7.25 although some states offer a higher minimum wage.

One of the protesters stood alongside another woman watching the larger group. They held signs and said they were members of a local church.

“I’m just fighting for justice,” Nancy Wagner explained. “It’s one of the basic things that we have to have is workers who have a living pay.”