Starbucks partners around the country are experiencing the same, systemic problems. Every day across the U.S., we’re dealing with issues like short staffing, unpredictable scheduling, low pay, rising healthcare costs, harassment, broken equipment, and unfair discipline.
That’s why baristas nationwide are building real power together and standing up to one of the most well-known brands in the world. We’ve seen how through worker-to-worker organizing, it’s possible to address systemic issues by taking a unified stand – and that we can only lock in lasting change through a fair union contract.
CEO Brian Niccol wants to get “Back to Starbucks” – but that won’t work without us, the baristas that make the drinks, take the orders, clean the spills, and build relationships with customers. Sales are lagging, customers and baristas are unhappy, and stores are understaffed causing long wait times. Customers – especially younger customers – are turning away from Starbucks, finding other options, and spending their hard-earned money elsewhere.
We have won a lot as a union – and we won’t stop fighting until Starbucks invests in us with the fair contract we need to do our jobs. It’s time to get this done so we can ALL move forward.
Starbucks Workers United baristas have powered a boundary-breaking movement, organizing more than 12,000 baristas and winning elections at nearly 700 locations from coast to coast.
Here’s the reality of working at Starbucks: We’re understaffed, struggling to get by, and lack critical on-the-job protection. Starbucks wages start at $15.25 or $16/hr in 43 states. Baristas have to rely on SNAP and Medicaid, and we often don’t get enough hours to pay rent or qualify for healthcare. That’s why we’re fighting to finalize a fair union contract with the pay, hours, and protections we need to succeed.
We’re continuing to do what we’ve always done: organize together as coworkers, strengthen our union, and boldly demand what baristas need to thrive. We know we can’t wait around for corporations to save us. We need to do the hard work of supporting each other as a collective union.
That’s why baristas recently met, deliberated, and found consensus around fair and reasonable measures to support baristas.
We’re fighting for higher wages for the lowest-paid workers, three-worker minimum staffing levels, more hours for baristas, health and safety improvements, and a host of protections against discrimination and unfair treatment at work.
We’ve been clear and consistent in our demand for Starbucks to settle a fair contract and stop their record-breaking union busting activity. We’ve gone on a historic strike, taken to the streets, shown up at headquarters, rallied with thousands of allies, and shared our stories about struggling to pay bills or staff stores with just two people on the clock.
Union baristas are united. Starbucks knows where we stand. It’s time to get a fair contract done so we can all move forward. We believe a fair contract is not only possible, but within reach as long as executives are committed to good-faith bargaining and supporting the baristas who are key to Starbucks’ success.
Baristas start between $15.25-16/hr in 43 states, which is not enough to survive. We need to raise the floor to $17/hr, lifting up the lowest paid baristas—and everyone else in their store.
Two workers cannot safely run a store. We need at least three workers scheduled on the floor at all times to serve customers, make drinks, and secure our store.
Available hours go to current baristas before hiring new workers so we can get the hours we need to qualify for benefits and pay our bills.
We need economic security. The 1.5-2% raises in recent years have failed to keep up with rising costs.
Real, enforceable protections so every union barista is treated with dignity and free from discrimination at work.
No more arbitrary firings, just cuz a manager feels like it.
When stores close or operations change, baristas deserve income stability and guaranteed transfer opportunities.
A binding, enforceable process to resolve workplace issues quickly, fairly, and with accountability.
A fair, reasonable dress code that matches the Crown Act and allows union t-shirts.
Enforceable protections and a seat at the table on safety in our stores to keep workers and customers safe.
Starbucks owes millions of dollars in backpay to current and former baristas, and more than 600 labor law violations remain unresolved. It’s time to resolve issues, get baristas the money they are owed, and move forward.
We’re fed up. We’re taking action. And we aren’t alone. Our movement is backed by 11,000 baristas and growing, along with countless allies here in the U.S. and around the world.
Starbucks can improve operations and public perception right now by listening to the union baristas who are committed to building a better Starbucks. This multi-billion-dollar company can afford a fair contract that ensures the support and protections we need.
Check out more updates from our union including a full contract bargaining timeline HERE.
