A hearing for the history books: The resolutely anti-union architect of the modern Starbucks faces the outspoken champion of the union movement in Congress.
Labor organizing surged last year. A Gallup survey found 71% of Americans approve of unions. Yet only 10% of workers belong to a union, as employers continue to fight back.
More than 1,000 baristas are planning to walk out, according to Starbucks Workers United. More than 264 of Starbucks' 9,000 company-run U.S. stores have voted to unionize since late last year.
Hardcore Starbucks fans eagerly await the day the coffee company gives out limited-edition holiday cups. The union organizing Starbucks workers hope those same customers will help support their cause.
More than 300 Starbucks stores have held union elections in less than a year, a remarkable feat. But now workers blame "scorched-earth" union busting by Starbucks for a slowdown in the momentum.
The National Labor Relations Board is asking a court to reinstate seven Starbucks workers in Buffalo, N.Y. who were allegedly fired illegally because they were involved in union organizing.
Starbucks gave the employees at the College Ave. location in Ithaca, N.Y., a one-week notice of the closure, the union says, with the store slated to permanently close on June 10.
On an investor call, Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz said the company was investing $1 billion to raise wages, enhance benefits and modernize stores. But unionized stores won't get some of that.
Starbucks workers have driven a surge in union election petitions filed with the National Labor Relations Board. Unionizing has also picked up at colleges, non-profits and pot dispensaries.
Once seen as among the most generous of employers, Starbucks is now grappling with disillusionment among its workers. Since December, 20 stores have unionized with more filing for elections every day.
Howard Schultz rejoins Starbucks as interim CEO as the company faces multiple challenges, including an unprecedented wave of unionization at stores across the country.
