World’s largest coffee chain agrees framework with Workers United as push to increase unionization continues apace
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Starbucks workers have done what many thought was impossible — force one of the largest corporations in the world to negotiate a union contract.
The National Labor Relations Act still functions, just barely, for Starbucks workers. Employees at fast-food franchises face even worse odds under federal labor law.
In a historic breakthrough, Starbucks and its workers announce they’ve come together. In a joint announcement Starbucks and Workers United agreed “to begin discussions on a foundational framework designed to achieve…collective bargaining agreements.”
Since 2021, 483 Starbucks stores in 46 states that have filed to unionize; of those, 385 stores in 43 states have won union elections, a nearly 80% win rate. The company continues to fight with illegal and stall tactics but workers keep organizing.
Strikes by autoworkers, actors and writers brought wins in 2023, but analysts worry labor laws could undo progress. Worker advocates say what is badly needed is for other unions, helped by the AFL-CIO, also to launch big, ambitious organizing drives.
Starbucks Workers United has not yet asked supporters to stop frequenting Starbucks locations. But unionized workers have been ramping up customer solidarity organizing, potentially laying the groundwork for a Starbucks boycott.
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