The Starbucks Union Battle Just Took An Unexpected Turn
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By Jennifer Mathews/Updated: Aug. 18, 2022 8:10 am EST
The democratic process involved in voting whether or not the 216 Starbucks will unionize took an unexpected turn on August 15, potentially delaying proceedings.
Potential delay in unionizing some Starbucks
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Starbucks’ 16-page letter accuses NLRB of crossing the line of neutrality by arranging for employees to vote in person, despite ordering a mail-in election secretly. Furthermore, they accuse NLRB of providing real-time information on casted ballots to organizers during the voting process to unionize the Overland Park, Kansas cafe, and at least two other NLRB regions. If true, NLRB would have unfairly influenced the vote to unionize, according to NPR.
NLRB declined to comment on the accusations, saying they don’t discuss open cases. However, the pro-union group “Starbucks Workers United” said the letter and accusations are an attempt to impede organized labor. They accuse Starbucks of firing over 75 union leaders to slow the momentum generated from the 200 locations that have already unionized, winning 82% of union elections.
