Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol expressed the company’s commitment to bargaining in good faith with the union representing many of its baristas. The two sides are working on crafting a labor deal, with the union pushing for fair scheduling, a living wage, and racial and gender equity. Three years ago, Starbucks baristas began unionizing under Workers United, leading to a lengthy battle between the company and the union.
Six months ago, Starbucks and the union agreed to work together after mediation to resolve lawsuits stemming from the union’s social media posts. Niccol, who recently joined Starbucks, as the former CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, where only one location successfully unionized, is now navigating the discussions with the union.
Today, Workers United represents over 490 of Starbucks’ U.S. cafes and over 10,500 employees. The company operates over 16,700 locations in the U.S., with more than half being company-owned. Both sides are working towards a labor agreement that addresses the needs and interests of Starbucks employees and customers. The focus is on creating a framework for collective bargaining agreements that ensure the fair treatment of baristas, including fair pay, scheduling, and equality in the workplace.
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