Starbucks workers from one of the three cafes in Buffalo, New York scored a victory on Thursday, voting to create the coffee giant's first ever union over the company's objections.
The Regional Labor office counted the eligible votes from the Elemwood Avenue location in Elmwood Village, where 19 eligible workers voted yes compared to 8 who voted against the measure.
The ballot count continues for the two other stores.
With less than two days before the vote count, CEO Kevin Johnson sent a letter to all employees addressing the controversial unionization vote happening in Buffalo, N.Y. Previously, Starbucks asked employees to vote down the measure.
“Many of you have told me you greatly value the flexibility to work between stores, to swap and pickup shifts, giving you the opportunity to connect with partners across different stores as one community,” Johnson said in his 2021 holiday message.
“Because of this, we feel strongly that all partners in Buffalo should have a voice in the elections, which may unfortunately not be the case. While we recognize this creates some level of uncertainty, we respect the process that is underway and, independent of any outcome in these elections, we will continue to stay true to our mission and values.”
Mail-in voting ended on Wednesday, and the National Labor Relations Board continued vote counts Thursday afternoon. Roughly 100 baristas and shift supervisors from three Buffalo-area stores were eligible to vote, based on the voting list drawn up by Starbucks.
However, the win in Buffalo could lead to other organized labor efforts at other locations. Baristas have also complained about staffing concerns and little control over workplace conditions move toward unionization.
Since the Buffalo campaign, three other nearby stores and a store in Arizona have sought to follow its lead.
and The NLRB ruled in favor of the Starbucks Workers United to count the ballots cast in the union election, dismissing a request from Starbucks to stop the ongoing vote.
Starbucks had attempted to impound the ballots already cast, and requested the NLRB stop the vote entirely, an effort dismissed by labor officials.
“This is exactly why we need a union – so our voices can be heard and we can work to make Starbucks the company we used to love,” Michelle Eisen, a barista at the Elmwood Starbucks, said in a statement in reaction to the NLRB's decision. In his letter to Starbucks workers, Johnson explained that he and his team have heard concerns and focused their efforts on recruiting 5,000 new employees weekly and will spend $1 billion in wages, training, hours, new equipment and technology. He also emphasized the benefits the company provides its workers, including healthcare, company equity, parental and sick leave, and dress code evolution.
“We will work each day to exceed the expectations of our partners as you, in turn, create that great Starbucks Experience for our customers,” Johnson ended the letter. “Second, we will always be transparent and authentic – even when we need to have tough conversations.” |
