Starbucks Workers Union
Encyclopedia
The Starbucks Workers Union is a union
formed by the Industrial Workers of the World
(IWW) to organize retail employees of Starbucks Coffee Company. The union has members at Starbucks locations in New York City
, Chicago
, Grand Rapids, Michigan
, Cincinnati, Ohio
, Quebec City
, Bloomington, Minnesota
, and Omaha, Nebraska
.
in the United States. The union drive had its origins in barista's complaints that a starting wage of $7.75 an hour was not a living wage
in New York City and that Starbucks refused to guarantee regularity of hours per week. The union has also joined with Global Exchange
in calling on Starbucks to purchase at least 5% of the store's coffee from fair trade
certified sources. The 12 workers submitted union cards to the National Labor Relations Board
(NLRB) for a certification election. Prior to the election, Starbucks filed an appeal with the NLRB, asking that the election be extended to several stores, not the single store that filed for an election. The NLRB agreed to review the appeal and impound the ballots at the Madison Avenue store. The IWW subsequently withdrew the election petition because the appeal could cause a several-year delay in the validation of the election. Starbucks claims the union withdrew due to a lack of interest by Starbucks workers. The IWW usually does not get involved in the NLRB election process, but rather focuses on winning incremental demands on the shop-floor through the practice of "Solidarity Unionism." On this basis, the organizing drive continues at Starbucks locations across the world.
, have organized for respect on the job, a dependable work schedule, and a living wage, among other issues. Currently, Starbucks Coffee has about 30 stores in Chile
, with plans to open six more stores in the near future.
“Starbucks has been in Chile
for six years now, and since they opened, management’s communication with the workers has been getting worse and worse,” said organizer Andrés Giordano. “We have seen some reprisals against those who have voiced constructive criticism to management about such issues as dismissals and a lack of promotions for baristas,” he added. Baristas and shift supervisors only make $2 to $3 per hour, while they continue to sell over-priced specialty drinks for twice that amount. Meanwhile, the cost of living has increased by 26 percent in the last five years, according to Giordano.
"Around the world, Starbucks jobs must work for hard-working baristas, not just senior executives," said Chrissy Cogswell, a Starbucks employee in Chicago and a member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. "The Chilean baristas have created a voice at work to make sure their contribution to the company is respected."
“As a union
, we are making reasonable demands, such as a wage increase, decent working conditions, and for Starbucks to adhere to their values of Corporate Social Responsibility
.’ The company isn't following these principals, which are the base of our daily work and behavior in the stores,” said Giordano. He said the union workers in Chile
are “glad and proud” to announce their union, and they look forward to more international solidarity with the IWW. “We believe our purpose will be stronger, as we strive together,” he added.
The Chilean Union has denounced several Union busting
actions -or Anti-Union practices- undertaken by Starbucks in their country.
charge against Starbucks in which it alleged the company prohibited workers from distributing union leaflets or wearing union buttons while they were at work. The company settled the charge with the National Labor Relations Board
in March 2006. The company did not admit it had broken the law, but did agree to post notices explaining workers' rights under the National Labor Relations Act
at three of its stores. In addition, it was forced to allow two employees to return to work and compensate three workers for lost wages in an amount less than $2,000. The union claims that four of its members have been fired for union activities, a charge the company denies.
On January 14, 2005, charges stemming from a march during the 2004 Republican National Convention
were dropped against union co-founder Daniel Gross. Witnesses allege Starbucks's managers coordinated with the NYPD to single out Daniel Gross and another union activist from a crowd of 200 protesters.
In June and August 2006, several organizers were fired by Starbucks, including union co-founder Daniel Gross who Starbucks claims made a threatening remark to a district manager at a union rally. Gross denies the charge. The NLRB is currently reviewing the circumstances of the dismissals.
On May 17, 2007 union baristas in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced they also were filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB based on Starbucks reaction to the union drive there.
On July 11, 2008 union baristas in Minneapolis, MN filed an unfair labor practice over the firing of IWW barista Erik Forman. After an escalating campaign of direct action, including a petition and a work stoppage at the Mall of America location, Starbucks offered Forman his job back and later settled with the NLRB.
Baristas at Chicago’s Logan Square Starbucks store announced on August 29, 2006 their membership in the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, becoming the first U.S. workers outside of New York City to declare union membership. A set of demands was given to the management team including a living wage, guaranteed work hours, reinstatement of IWW baristas allegedly fired for organizing activity, and respect for an independent voice on the job through union membership.
In August, 2006, A group of union members filed a complaint with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
, alleging that three of Starbucks's Manhattan stores violate basic health standards. OSHA inspected the locations and found two serious hazards, as well as a number of less serious hazards.. The group is demanding the company increase staffing levels and provide elbow-length gloves.
In July 2008, baristas at the Mall of America I Starbucks announced their membership in the union, demanding seniority-based severance pay and the right to transfer for workers at closing stores.
The organizing campaign is ongoing in Minneapolis and cities across the United States, and is growing in Europe and around the world.
In July, 2009, Radio-Canada reported an attempt at unionization by employees of a Starbucks in Québec City
, Québec
, which was eventually successful.
In August, 2010, the 15th Street and Douglas location in Omaha, NE, announced its membership in the union. Employees cited the issuance of stock dividends after a year of staff cutbacks and profits over nearly $1 Billion USD, as well as scheduling conflicts and issues with sick leave and payment. In retaliation, organizer Tyler Swain was fired for "insubordination." The National Labor Relations Board
ruled in Swain's favor, but Starbucks has appealed and the outcome remains pending.
Later that month, the Atlanta arm in the campaign was shut down after Xan Gordon, a primary organizer, was fired for interrupting bootlegging and pornography in his store. The remaining members were transferred to other stores or fired within a month. The National Labor Relations Board
ruled against Gordon, though they claimed that "there is no evidence that [he] was fired for violation of any policies, nor that such policies existed ... in fact, no evidence has been brought against Gordon by Starbucks Coffee Company;" further adding "it was obvious to even a casual observer that the pretenses under which [Gordon] were false" and that the investigation had been handled "carelessly."
In January, 2011, the SWU had one of its original demands met as Starbucks declared Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to be eligible for time-and-a-half pay along with other federal holidays.
joined forces in a Global Day of Action to protest Starbucks' anti-union practices. They accused Starbucks of illegally firing Cole Dorsey, a Grand Rapids, MI barista, as well as a CNT
barista in Sevilla, Spain in early 2008. Actions took place in over 20 countries around the world.
A Global Week of Action was held on July 5, 2011, in support of El Sindicato de Trabajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile, who were protesting the working conditions in Santiago, Chile.
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
formed by the Industrial Workers of the World
Industrial Workers of the World
The Industrial Workers of the World is an international union. At its peak in 1923, the organization claimed some 100,000 members in good standing, and could marshal the support of perhaps 300,000 workers. Its membership declined dramatically after a 1924 split brought on by internal conflict...
(IWW) to organize retail employees of Starbucks Coffee Company. The union has members at Starbucks locations in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, Quebec City
Quebec City
Quebec , also Québec, Quebec City or Québec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is located within the Capitale-Nationale region. It is the second most populous city in Quebec after Montreal, which is about to the southwest...
, Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota in Hennepin County. Located on the north bank of the Minnesota River above its confluence with the Mississippi River, Bloomington lies at the heart of the southern...
, and Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
.
Origin
On May 17, 2004, Starbucks's workers at the 36th and Madison store in midtown Manhattan organized the first Starbucks barista unionTrade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
in the United States. The union drive had its origins in barista's complaints that a starting wage of $7.75 an hour was not a living wage
Living wage
In public policy, a living wage is the minimum hourly income necessary for a worker to meet basic needs . These needs include shelter and other incidentals such as clothing and nutrition...
in New York City and that Starbucks refused to guarantee regularity of hours per week. The union has also joined with Global Exchange
Global Exchange
Global Exchange is an advocacy group and non-governmental organization , based in San Francisco, California, United States. The group's mission is to promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice around the world.-History:...
in calling on Starbucks to purchase at least 5% of the store's coffee from fair trade
Fair trade
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as higher social and environmental standards...
certified sources. The 12 workers submitted union cards to the National Labor Relations Board
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent agency of the United States government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair labor practices may involve union-related situations or instances of...
(NLRB) for a certification election. Prior to the election, Starbucks filed an appeal with the NLRB, asking that the election be extended to several stores, not the single store that filed for an election. The NLRB agreed to review the appeal and impound the ballots at the Madison Avenue store. The IWW subsequently withdrew the election petition because the appeal could cause a several-year delay in the validation of the election. Starbucks claims the union withdrew due to a lack of interest by Starbucks workers. The IWW usually does not get involved in the NLRB election process, but rather focuses on winning incremental demands on the shop-floor through the practice of "Solidarity Unionism." On this basis, the organizing drive continues at Starbucks locations across the world.
Latin America
On April 9, 2009, the IWW Starbucks Workers Union announced the formation of the first union of Starbucks workers in Latin America, Sindicato de Trabajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile S.A. Starbucks baristas and shift supervisors in Santiago, ChileChile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, have organized for respect on the job, a dependable work schedule, and a living wage, among other issues. Currently, Starbucks Coffee has about 30 stores in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, with plans to open six more stores in the near future.
“Starbucks has been in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
for six years now, and since they opened, management’s communication with the workers has been getting worse and worse,” said organizer Andrés Giordano. “We have seen some reprisals against those who have voiced constructive criticism to management about such issues as dismissals and a lack of promotions for baristas,” he added. Baristas and shift supervisors only make $2 to $3 per hour, while they continue to sell over-priced specialty drinks for twice that amount. Meanwhile, the cost of living has increased by 26 percent in the last five years, according to Giordano.
"Around the world, Starbucks jobs must work for hard-working baristas, not just senior executives," said Chrissy Cogswell, a Starbucks employee in Chicago and a member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. "The Chilean baristas have created a voice at work to make sure their contribution to the company is respected."
“As a union
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
, we are making reasonable demands, such as a wage increase, decent working conditions, and for Starbucks to adhere to their values of Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model...
.’ The company isn't following these principals, which are the base of our daily work and behavior in the stores,” said Giordano. He said the union workers in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
are “glad and proud” to announce their union, and they look forward to more international solidarity with the IWW. “We believe our purpose will be stronger, as we strive together,” he added.
The Chilean Union has denounced several Union busting
Union busting
Union busting is a wide range of activities undertaken by employers, their proxies, and governments, which attempt to prevent the formation or expansion of trade unions...
actions -or Anti-Union practices- undertaken by Starbucks in their country.
Legal actions
The union filed an unfair labor practiceUnfair labor practice
In United States labor law, the term unfair labor practice refers to certain actions taken by employers or unions that violate the National Labor Relations Act and other legislation...
charge against Starbucks in which it alleged the company prohibited workers from distributing union leaflets or wearing union buttons while they were at work. The company settled the charge with the National Labor Relations Board
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent agency of the United States government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair labor practices may involve union-related situations or instances of...
in March 2006. The company did not admit it had broken the law, but did agree to post notices explaining workers' rights under the National Labor Relations Act
National Labor Relations Act
The National Labor Relations Act or Wagner Act , is a 1935 United States federal law that limits the means with which employers may react to workers in the private sector who create labor unions , engage in collective bargaining, and take part in strikes and other forms of concerted activity in...
at three of its stores. In addition, it was forced to allow two employees to return to work and compensate three workers for lost wages in an amount less than $2,000. The union claims that four of its members have been fired for union activities, a charge the company denies.
On January 14, 2005, charges stemming from a march during the 2004 Republican National Convention
2004 Republican National Convention
The 2004 Republican National Convention, the presidential nominating convention of the Republican Party of the United States, took place from August 30 to September 2, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York...
were dropped against union co-founder Daniel Gross. Witnesses allege Starbucks's managers coordinated with the NYPD to single out Daniel Gross and another union activist from a crowd of 200 protesters.
In June and August 2006, several organizers were fired by Starbucks, including union co-founder Daniel Gross who Starbucks claims made a threatening remark to a district manager at a union rally. Gross denies the charge. The NLRB is currently reviewing the circumstances of the dismissals.
On May 17, 2007 union baristas in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced they also were filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB based on Starbucks reaction to the union drive there.
On July 11, 2008 union baristas in Minneapolis, MN filed an unfair labor practice over the firing of IWW barista Erik Forman. After an escalating campaign of direct action, including a petition and a work stoppage at the Mall of America location, Starbucks offered Forman his job back and later settled with the NLRB.
Ongoing campaigns
On Friday, June 16, 2006 the Starbucks employees working at the 135 E. 57th Street store in Manhattan made public their IWW membership and presented a list of demands to management to improve working conditions. This was the 5th Starbucks store in New York to establish a public organizing committee and make collective demands from the company.Baristas at Chicago’s Logan Square Starbucks store announced on August 29, 2006 their membership in the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, becoming the first U.S. workers outside of New York City to declare union membership. A set of demands was given to the management team including a living wage, guaranteed work hours, reinstatement of IWW baristas allegedly fired for organizing activity, and respect for an independent voice on the job through union membership.
In August, 2006, A group of union members filed a complaint with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress of the United States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970...
, alleging that three of Starbucks's Manhattan stores violate basic health standards. OSHA inspected the locations and found two serious hazards, as well as a number of less serious hazards.. The group is demanding the company increase staffing levels and provide elbow-length gloves.
In July 2008, baristas at the Mall of America I Starbucks announced their membership in the union, demanding seniority-based severance pay and the right to transfer for workers at closing stores.
The organizing campaign is ongoing in Minneapolis and cities across the United States, and is growing in Europe and around the world.
In July, 2009, Radio-Canada reported an attempt at unionization by employees of a Starbucks in Québec City
Quebec City
Quebec , also Québec, Quebec City or Québec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is located within the Capitale-Nationale region. It is the second most populous city in Quebec after Montreal, which is about to the southwest...
, Québec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, which was eventually successful.
In August, 2010, the 15th Street and Douglas location in Omaha, NE, announced its membership in the union. Employees cited the issuance of stock dividends after a year of staff cutbacks and profits over nearly $1 Billion USD, as well as scheduling conflicts and issues with sick leave and payment. In retaliation, organizer Tyler Swain was fired for "insubordination." The National Labor Relations Board
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent agency of the United States government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair labor practices may involve union-related situations or instances of...
ruled in Swain's favor, but Starbucks has appealed and the outcome remains pending.
Later that month, the Atlanta arm in the campaign was shut down after Xan Gordon, a primary organizer, was fired for interrupting bootlegging and pornography in his store. The remaining members were transferred to other stores or fired within a month. The National Labor Relations Board
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent agency of the United States government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair labor practices may involve union-related situations or instances of...
ruled against Gordon, though they claimed that "there is no evidence that [he] was fired for violation of any policies, nor that such policies existed ... in fact, no evidence has been brought against Gordon by Starbucks Coffee Company;" further adding "it was obvious to even a casual observer that the pretenses under which [Gordon] were false" and that the investigation had been handled "carelessly."
In January, 2011, the SWU had one of its original demands met as Starbucks declared Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to be eligible for time-and-a-half pay along with other federal holidays.
Global Day of Action
On July 5, 2008, the Industrial Workers of the World and the International Workers AssociationInternational Workers Association
The International Workers' Association is an international federation of anarcho-syndicalist labour unions and initiatives based primarily in Europe and Latin America....
joined forces in a Global Day of Action to protest Starbucks' anti-union practices. They accused Starbucks of illegally firing Cole Dorsey, a Grand Rapids, MI barista, as well as a CNT
Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
The Confederación Nacional del Trabajo is a Spanish confederation of anarcho-syndicalist labor unions affiliated with the International Workers Association . When working with the latter group it is also known as CNT-AIT...
barista in Sevilla, Spain in early 2008. Actions took place in over 20 countries around the world.
A Global Week of Action was held on July 5, 2011, in support of El Sindicato de Trabajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile, who were protesting the working conditions in Santiago, Chile.
Bean2Cup Campaign
The Starbucks Workers Union has a student activism campaign to increase the wages and working conditions of farmers who sell coffee to Starbucks, increase purchasing transparency of Starbucks coffee beans, and raise awareness about the social consequences of drinking Starbucks coffee.External links
- Official site
- Gaus, Mischa. "Starbucks Gets Wobbly," In These Times. October 4, 2006.