Following Brian Niccol’s announcement that Starbucks will close hundreds of stores and cut an additional 900 corporate support positions, Workers United secured critical wins for impacted union baristas through effects bargaining. 

“While we remain outraged at how callously Starbucks handled these closures, we are proud that we have forced the company to make this process fairer for impacted union baristas,” said Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and 15-year veteran baristas. “These measures to support baristas show the power and strength of our union. We remain focused on organizing stores and demanding Starbucks settle a fair union contract that improves hours and staffing, increases take-home pay, and resolves unfair labor practices. ”

Through effects bargaining, Workers United secured the following victories for baristas at the 59 union stores that are closing:

• Union partners will get severance even if they turn down a transfer offer. Non-union baristas who don’t accept transfer offers lose severance. 
• Union partners will get two days to accept a transfer offer, compared to non-union baristas who are forced to decide immediately.
• Health benefits for enrolled union partners will continue through October 31 or December 31 in stores covered by a WARN Act.
• Union partners who don’t get a transfer offer will be paid for scheduled shifts through October 5 if not covered by Fair Workweek or WARN Act, in which case they would be paid through October 12 and December 5 respectively.
• If the union has formally disputed a union partner’s final written warning, Starbucks and the union commit to a good faith review to determine reassignment. At non-union stores, a final written warning can automatically mean a partner is ineligible for transfer.

Correction Note: Updated to reflect precise language on stores and locations.