Starbucks Workers United keeps fighting and growing

April 21 was a National Day of Action called by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU). In an email to supporters on April 23, the union reported:

“While we’re finally back at the bargaining table with Starbucks, customers and allies across the country are making sure they know you have our back until we win a fair contract!

“On Tuesday, people organized actions in Houston, Orlando [Florida], California, San Francisco and beyond. They delivered care packages to coworkers. They talked to customers. You showed us that solidarity can show up when we need it most — whether we’re on the picket line or at the bargaining table. And we need every bit of it right now.

“Every action taken is a reminder to Starbucks that we’re fighting hard, and customers are standing with us. We’re fighting for $17 an hour for the lowest-paid baristas, three workers on the floor always, hours that actually let you pay rent and protections that mean a manager can’t just make your life miserable without consequence.

“Starbucks knows what we want. We’ve been clear. Now it’s about making sure they also know we won’t stop until we get it. The fight is live. Follow us everywhere for real-time updates as bargaining continues.

“Until we have a fair contract, don’t buy Starbucks, and delete the app.”

SBWU now represents over 12,000 workers at almost 700 stores — a number that continues to grow. One of the most recent stores where workers voted in the union is in Springfield, Missouri. The union won a 10-4 vote on April 21, making it the 19th unionized store in Missouri.

Barista Seth Hudspeth, who has worked at the store for six months, said: “I was thrilled to cast my vote in favor of unionizing at Starbucks #8670. Unions are the backbone of empowered workers, and by joining the 12,000+ fellow baristas who already make up Starbucks Workers United, we are breaking new ground in the service industry.” (Yahoo.com, April 22)

For more information visit sbworkersunited.org