Starbucks baristas claim they were told their store is closing because of union activities. The baristas say the alleged Starbucks union-busting is a way to make an example of them and keep workers from organizing.
Late last year, Starbucks workers at this location in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle announced they had formed a union with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and began collective bargaining negotiations over pay, leave, breaks, and performance feedback.
Since then, employees report feeling pressured by the bosses not to unionize. And some now believe their store will close as a result of Starbucks union-busting.
Union-backed workers say Starbucks has made unannounced meetings required for any partner interested in continuing with them after hours. In addition, Starbucks has allegedly asked workers about their plans to attend local events related to union efforts.
Unfair Labor Practices Complaints Filed
Unfair labor practices are prohibited by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which guarantees all workers the right to form and join unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities.
During the past few months, workers at a Capitol Hill store and one other Starbucks store in the city also filed unfair labor complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over allegedly hitting back against workers.
The first complaint alleges Starbucks bosses “coerced and threatened” workers with termination to prevent them from forming a union. The second claims managers “unlawfully interrogated employees” and hit back against them for joining the union.
Public Meeting for Workers’ Rights
Earlier, members of the IWW held a public meeting and discourse at the E Pike store. The purpose was to discuss the campaign for a living wage and tips at Starbucks. Also, they also wanted to address baristas’ concerns about recent events with the admin. The meeting will begin at 6 pm and will be hosted by the IWW Starbucks Workers Union.
The same month, Starbucks responded to the unfair labor complaints. In an email, a Starbucks spokesperson said they respect their workers’ right to organize and engage in union activities. Starbucks says it also aims to have a robust and open discourse of workplace issues.
In addition, the statement says Starbucks aims to offer info to our associates so that they can make informed decisions. Starbucks claimed that more workers at the Capitol Hill store did not support the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. Also, Flendinning says workers have the option of joining or not joining the union.
The Cause Of Store Closing
Some baristas believe Starbucks is closing the store because of union activities. On the other hand, Starbucks says it regularly closes and opens stores.
In response to the Ithaca closure, Starbucks asserted that its local, regional, and national leaders are working to create a store ambiance that partners and customers expect. The statement also said that their goal was to ensure that every partner gets support in their individual situations. Added to that, the coffee giant says it works to offer immediate opportunities in the market.
However, some Starbucks workers at Ithaca say they are worried about having enough hours. Nadia Vitek, a barista at the Ithaca store says Starbucks is using a “divide-and conquer-strategy.” Be that as it may, she says, they are ready to fight.
Workers United, which is supporting the Starbucks workers, says they have also filed complaints against the coffee brand. In a statement, a Starbucks Workers United spokesperson said closing a store because workers exercised their rights is a violation of labor law.
The group also believes that the NLRB will prosecute the company for this alleged union-busting.
