Three years after workers at the Starbucks store in Buffalo, New York, first voted in favour of union representation, Starbucks and IUF affiliate Workers United/SEIU have agreed to begin a process toward a foundational framework for collective bargaining for Starbucks workers in the United States. This process will also include the resolution of ongoing court cases related to violations against US labour law allegedly committed by Starbucks.
- The collective agreement will be the first master framework agreement for a major fast food chain in the United States and is the result of a large-scale campaign by Workers United/SEIU, supported by the IUF and its affiliates
- On February 20, 21 Starbucks stores filed for union elections, the largest number in a single day for a total of 400 individual stores having filed for union elections
- As part of the initial agreement, Starbucks has agreed to provide the 10000 workers at stores represented by Workers United with benefits that were previously denied by the company, including the introduction of credit card tipping and pay raises
US President Joe Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Months ago, I sat down with Starbucks Workers United leaders to discuss their fight for better conditions and pay. Today, I applaud workers and Starbucks for announcing a framework that respects the right to form and join unions. When workers win, we all win. ”
IUF General Secretary Sue Longley stated, “From the beginning, this struggle has been an inspiration for food service workers across the globe. This agreement between Starbucks and Workers United is an important step forward for Starbucks workers not only in the United States but also for food service and coffee shop workers across the world. It is also yet another proof that when workers stick together, we win.”
