Last Updated on March 1, 2024, 6:42 PM | Published: March 1, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY – Starbucks (SBUX) has decided to reverse course on the union-busting and unfair labor practice after years of a hard-line stance and resistance to bargaining in good faith.
The company has decided it will come to the table and try to reach an agreement with its many unionized workers.
Three years later
It’s been three years since workers at SBUX have been unionizing their stores starting in 2021, and they are represented by Workers United. Now, the company and the union have announced they have begun discussions about a “foundational framework” to build contract negotiations.
The first in Oklahoma to petition for a union vote was the Nichol’s Hill Starbucks at 63rd and Grand.
In a statement made Tuesday, SBUX said, “Starbucks and Workers United have a shared commitment to establishing a positive relationship in the interests of Starbucks partners”.
The statement continued, “During mediation discussions last week for the ongoing brand and IP litigation, it became clear that there was a constructive path forward on the broader issue of the future of organizing and collective bargaining at Starbucks.”
As a sign of good faith, SBUX has promised to give benefits that were withheld from union stores, such as credit card tipping.
Union is ready
Free Press obtained a press release from Workers United staff.
“Workers United and Starbucks share a commitment to developing a productive relationship in the best interests of Starbucks partners”, the statement began.
It continued, “During mediation discussions last week over ongoing brand and IP litigation, a constructive path forward emerged on the broader issues of the future of organizing and collective bargaining at Starbucks.”
“To build on that path, Workers United and Starbucks have agreed to begin discussions on a foundational framework to achieve collective bargaining agreements for represented stores and partners, the resolution of litigation between the union and the company, including brand litigation, and a fair process for workers to organize,” the statement read.
“As a sign of good faith, Starbucks has agreed to provide workers represented by Workers United with credit card tipping and benefits announced by the company in May 2022.”
The statement concluded, “While there is plenty of work ahead, coming together to develop this framework is a significant step forward and a clear demonstration of a shared commitment to working collaboratively and with mutual respect.”
There are over 400 SBUX stores represented by Workers United, with this new development affecting nearly 10,000 workers.
SBUX has become notorious in the labor movement for its record-breaking unfair labor practices and union-busting across the country. This is perhaps the first step in fixing the relationship between SBUX, the union, and their thousands of workers.
Alex Gatley covers labor activities in the state of Oklahoma.
