Tag

Workers United

All articles tagged with #workers united

business1 year ago

"Starbucks' Labor Shift Sparks Unionization Surge"

Starbucks has announced a new commitment to work with its main union, Starbucks Workers United, to secure collective bargaining agreements and resolve litigation, marking a significant shift in the company's approach to labor organizing. The company will provide union members with benefits previously restricted to nonunion stores and back pay for lost perks. This pivot could lead to more unionization efforts and impact other companies, potentially inspiring similar campaigns and signaling a shift in how employers approach labor relations.

business1 year ago

Starbucks and Workers United Set to Resume Collective Bargaining Talks

Starbucks and the union representing employees in around 400 of its U.S. stores have announced the beginning of discussions on a "foundational framework" to reach labor agreements with unionized workers and resolve litigation. This marks a significant shift in strategy for Starbucks, which has previously resisted union organizing. The company aims to negotiate and ratify contracts by the end of the year and has agreed to a "fair process for organizing," while also providing unionized workers with benefits previously withheld. If successful, this could be a major development in labor relations in corporate America.

business1 year ago

"Starbucks and Workers United Reach Agreement on Wage Hike and Collective Bargaining Talks"

Starbucks has agreed to increase wages for unionized cafe workers, aligning them with the pay raises nonunion workers received in May 2022, signaling a thaw in its relationship with Workers United. The company and the union have also agreed to start discussions on reaching collective bargaining agreements for stores, marking a significant shift in their relationship since the first Starbucks location unionized in December 2021.

business1 year ago

"Starbucks Faces Union Pressure Amid Shareholder Concerns"

Baristas from 21 Starbucks stores across 14 states have announced plans to unionize, demanding higher wages, fair scheduling, improved benefits, and a safe workplace. This move comes as part of a larger campaign by Workers United, with roughly 400 Starbucks stores having already formed unions. The company has faced accusations of illegal actions against union supporters, and the union is pushing for a nationwide collective bargaining agreement. The baristas are seeking a minimum pay of $20 per hour, annual raises of 5%, and guaranteed hours, among other proposals, while Starbucks has been accused of withholding benefits from unionized stores.

labor-relations1 year ago

"Starbucks Ordered to Reinstate Fired Workers and Compensate Union Organizer"

A National Labor Relations Board judge has ruled that Starbucks violated federal labor law by firing nine workers and "constructively discharging" one other in Buffalo. The workers, who were part of the first Starbucks union in the Buffalo Niagara region, were ordered to be reinstated with back pay. Starbucks denies retaliation for union organizing and plans to explore further review of the judge's recommendations. The company and its workers in Buffalo have yet to reach a contract more than two years after voting to unionize, with workers alleging that Starbucks has been uncooperative during bargaining sessions.

business2 years ago

Starbucks Shifts Stance, Aims for Union Agreements by 2024

Starbucks has announced its commitment to bargaining with its unionized workers and reaching labor agreements in 2024, marking a significant reversal in its stance on unionization. The coffee chain had been fighting against the unionization of its US stores for the past two years. The decision comes as at least 370 company-owned Starbucks stores have voted to unionize, with workers seeking higher pay, consistent schedules, and more say in issues like store safety. Starbucks' change in position may also be influenced by business reasons, as it reported record revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter. The company's stock has fallen since a recent strike by unionized workers, and it may be trying to prevent pro-union candidates from being elected to its board of directors.

economy2 years ago

Starbucks Seeks to Repair Employee Relations Through Union Contract Talks

Starbucks has expressed its desire to resume contract negotiations with the union that represents over 9,000 of its workers. The company proposed that bargaining continue in January with a set of organized stores. Starbucks also requested that the meetings be conducted without audio or video recording, while the union has previously advocated for videoconferencing to allow more members to participate. The union is currently reviewing the letter and considering its response. The two sides have been at a deadlock for over six months, with issues ranging from Pride Month décor to accusations of company retaliation.

business2 years ago

Starbucks Aims for Union Talks and Agreements in 2024

Starbucks has reached out to the union representing its stores in an effort to resume contract talks and resolve the ongoing conflict. The company aims to complete bargaining and ratify contracts in 2024. The union has received the letter and will respond after reviewing it. Starbucks and Workers United have disagreed on ground rules for meetings, including the participation of workers via videoconference. The coffee chain has faced allegations of illegal anti-union tactics, while Starbucks denies wrongdoing and claims the union is refusing to negotiate in good faith. Recent flashpoints include a strike by baristas and a lawsuit between Starbucks and Workers United. Despite posting positive financial results, concerns have emerged over Starbucks' sales.

business2 years ago

Starbucks Boosts Pay and Benefits for Hourly Workers

Starbucks is increasing wages and benefits for most of its U.S. hourly workers, excluding unionized employees, after reporting record sales. The company will raise wages for non-union workers by 3% to 5% depending on years of service, but this new benefit is not available to unionized stores. Workers United union plans to file unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks, claiming that withholding benefits from unionized stores is against the law. Additionally, Starbucks is shortening the time for hourly employees to accrue vacation days, but this benefit is also exclusive to non-unionized stores. The company's actions contradict a September ruling by the National Labor Relations Board, which stated that Starbucks acted illegally by raising pay only for non-union workers.

labor-relations2 years ago

Starbucks Workers Across Multiple Locations Divided on Union Membership

Employees at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago have rejected union membership, dealing a major setback to Workers United, a part of the Service Employees International Union. The vote, conducted under federal supervision, resulted in 119 votes against the union and 90 in favor. Workers who opposed unionization cited a respectful relationship with management and a belief that Starbucks is a good company. Workers United has filed charges of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Starbucks of an aggressive anti-union campaign. The union has won representation elections at 355 Starbucks stores in the US, but has yet to secure contracts for any of those locations.

labor-relations2 years ago

Starbucks Union Mobilizes Customers for Picketing at U.S. Cafes

The Workers United union, representing baristas and shift supervisors at about 320 of Starbucks' corporate-owned U.S. locations, is taking a more aggressive approach in their campaign for better working conditions. They plan to distribute flyers to customers during a bus tour, urging them to organize pickets at non-unionized cafes. The union is also targeting Starbucks board members and plans a "national 'Adopt-a-Store' day of action" on August 7. The ongoing contract negotiations and alleged labor law violations have led to more than 570 unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks.

business2 years ago

Starbucks Workers Strike During Pride, Sparking Décor Guidelines and Accusations

Starbucks workers from over 150 stores in the U.S. are going on strike to demand a fair contract and respect for LGBTQIA2+ workers. The strike comes after reports that some Starbucks stores were removing or banning the use of Pride decorations, which the company denies. Starbucks has reiterated its support for the LGBTQIA2+ community and stated that there has been no change to its policies. The strike has resulted in the closure of several stores, and workers have also protested by marching in pride parades. Other companies, such as Target, have faced criticism for their handling of LGBTQ issues.

business2 years ago

Ben & Jerry's Vermont Store Unionizes.

Ben & Jerry's has agreed to a set of rules to ensure a fair union election at its flagship store in Burlington, Vermont, after workers announced their intention to unionize. All eligible workers have indicated their support for the move, which could make the store the only unionized Ben & Jerry's location in the US. The company has agreed to provide the union with equal time and space to discuss the campaign, refrain from making disparaging comments, and resolve accusations of retaliation through an arbitrator. If the workers unionize and a contract is not agreed within six months, they can mutually seek mediation or arbitration.

business2 years ago

"Vermont and Hadley workers unite to unionize at Ben & Jerry's and Barnes & Noble"

Workers at the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop in Burlington, Vermont, have announced their plan to form a union and have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election. The workers seek a voice in decisions over salaries, health care costs, and other key issues. They are supported by the Workers United union and have formed an organizing committee. Ben & Jerry's spokesman Sean Greenwood said the company is aware of the issue and is actively working on it.

business2 years ago

Ben & Jerry's Burlington Store Workers Petition for Unionization Amid Opioid Crisis.

Employees at the Ben & Jerry’s Church Street location in Burlington, Vermont, have petitioned to join Workers United, an international union in the US and Canada, citing exploitation and insufficient wages. Nearly three-quarters of non-management staff at the Church Street store signed the petition, which was submitted to the National Labor Relations Board. The Burlington store would be the first Ben & Jerry’s location to be unionized, and the company has until April 27 to respond to the petition.