Baristas are the heartbeat of Starbucks. We are the ones who craft the drinks, build community with our customers, and keep our stores running every single day. But 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 too often don’t get enough hours to pay rent or qualify for healthcare.

Together as union baristas, we’re driving a movement that grows every day. We’re fed up with low pay, chaotic scheduling, understaffed stores, and illegal union busting. 

After we raised our voices, waged a historic unfair labor practice strike that rallied the support of hundreds of thousands of supporters, and presented a reasonable, fair contract deal to Starbucks, we’re set to bargain with the company starting in April. This progress is a direct result of our collective action, and the power our union continues to build as we fight for a better Starbucks. 

Our contract proposal offers common-sense solutions to very real issues we face everyday at work and would improve the lives of thousands of baristas across the country. It raises wages for the lowest-paid workers, improves workplace protections, and guarantees more hours for the baristas who are key to Starbucks’ success. 

The offer is fair and it would help Starbucks achieve the turnaround it needs to succeed. It’s time to finalize a fair contract and move forward together.

What We Are Fighting For

• A raise to $17/hr for lowest-paid union baristas: 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 stores.
• 3 workers on the floor at all times: 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.
• More hours before new hires: 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.
• 4% annual raises: We need economic security. The 1.5-2% raises in recent years have failed to keep up with rising costs.
• Non-discrimination: Real, enforceable protections so every union barista is treated with dignity and free from discrimination at work.
• “Just cause” protections: No more arbitrary firings, just cuz a manager feels like it.
• “Job impact” support when changes happen: When stores close or operations change, baristas deserve income stability and guaranteed transfer opportunities.
• Grievance procedures: A binding, enforceable process to resolve workplace issues quickly, fairly, and with accountability.
• Fair dress code: A fair, reasonable dress code that matches the Crown Act and allows union t-shirts. 
• Health & safety measures: Enforceable protections and a seat at the table on safety in our stores to keep workers and customers safe.
• No more union busting & resolve outstanding issues: 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 know that a durable turnaround for Starbucks depends on the people behind the counter. While we continue to fight for a contract that reflects our value, we are also looking out for our own. We aren’t waiting for a corporation to save us. We are working as a collective union to build our own solutions.

PARTNERS: Get involved and add your voice to your union! Get connected with a staff organizer today if you have any questions. You can fill out this interest form or send us a text at (559) 272-9848.

ALLIES: Don’t forget to sign our No Contract, No Coffee pledge to tell Starbucks that union-busting is bad for business. We’ll send you campaign updates as well as local calls to action.