In a new column for In These Times, Workers United President Lynne Fox laid out the stakes of our union fight: Starbucks is “on the ropes,” competitors are thriving, baristas are organizing, and it’s time to finalize a fair union contract:
“As the president of Workers United, representing more than 12,000 union Starbucks baristas in 45 states and Washington D.C., I’ve had a front row seat to one of the fastest-growing union movements of this century.
“Starbucks Workers United baristas have won union elections at more than 640 stores and counting, inspiring people all over the world. Hundreds of baristas join our union every month. These baristas are full of hope and good ideas for improving the company. But while Starbucks calls them “partners,” it’s an empty word when they don’t have the support needed to perform the basic functions of their job. And it’s an empty word when Starbucks executives don’t listen to their needs and ideas for how to improve their workplaces.”
She goes on to write:
“Starbucks has said there is “no money” to put into the union contract. We don’t find that credible. By our estimate, the remaining economic aspects of a multi-year contract would cost Starbucks less than one average day’s sales.
“Meanwhile, the company is on a massive spending spree. Niccol was paid $96 million for 120 days of work last year, flying near the top of a recent list of American CEO-to-worker pay ratios at 6,666 times that of a typical barista. They’ve leased and outfitted a Newport Beach satellite office, and they’re paying a private jet pilot $360,000 a year, plus benefits, so Niccol can commute to Seattle. The Las Vegas managers conference, which featured musical performances from Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe cost $81 million and of course dampened their profits.”
[…]
“So, what now? In order to turn things around, the coffee giant must make peace with union baristas and make significant moves to improve their workplaces. When that happens, we can all work together to get ‘Back to Starbucks.’ But for now, the choice is simple: finalize fair contracts for baristas, or we’ll see you on the picket line.”