ICYMI: STARBUCKS ACCUSED OF OVER 1,100 VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL LABOR LAW, INCLUDING FAILURE TO BARGAIN CHARGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2022
PRESS CONTACT
starbucksmedia@workers-united.org
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Coffee Giant is starting off the New Year by continuing its unprecedented union-busting campaign against workers. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has now issued over 50 Complaints against Starbucks, encompassing over 1,100 violations of federal labor law.
In the past two weeks, the National Labor Relations Board has issued the following Complaints and merit determinations, including:
The first failure to bargain Complaint including multiple cafes. On Dec 18, Bloomberg reported that the NLRB officials allege Starbucks has illegally refused to negotiate at 21 cafes across the Pacific Northwest. Remedies demanded include requiring the company to bargain upon request for at least 15 hours per week and requiring the company to submit bargaining progress reports to the Regional Director every 15 days. The Complaint also alleges that Interim CEO Howard Schultz broke federal labor law in an interview with the New York Times.
A merit determination alleging that Starbucks effectively terminated key union leader Jaz Brisack as part of an illegal anti-union campaign. On Dec 30, Bloomberg reported that labor board officials concluded that Starbucks illegally forced out Jaz Brisack and will issue an official Complaint against the Coffee Giant unless the company settles.
The first Complaint against Starbucks in Oklahoma City. On Jan 1, the Oklahoma City Free Press reported that the NLRB issued a Complaint alleging that Starbucks had managers interrogate, threaten, and terminate employees in response to their union activity.
Additionally, within these Complaints, NLRB regional offices have alleged that Starbucks illegally discharged at least 48 employees for their union activity. In total, 14 union leaders have already been reinstated by Starbucks or an Administrative Law Judge has recommended the worker’s reinstatement.
With over 1,100 violations of federal labor law, and hundreds of charges still pending, Starbucks has secured its spot as the worst violator of federal labor law in modern U.S. history.
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