For Starbucks workers, Pride means organize

There has been no letup in the fight by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) for a first contract with the multibillion dollar global coffee chain. This June — LGBTQIA2S+ Pride month — SBWU has made a point of reaching out to people attending Pride celebrations, asking them to delete the Starbucks app from their phones to show their support for the union.

In an email to members and supporters, SBWU said: “Pride has always been about collective action. Queer and trans people organizing for each other, refusing to accept exploitation as normal. That spirit is exactly what’s driving baristas across the country right now. This weekend is the biggest yet. Actions are happening in New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Denver, Nashville, Seattle and Chicago.” 

The union added: “Labor rights are LGBTQ+ rights. A union contract is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect queer and trans partners on the job, especially right now. That’s why we’re asking you to be there.”

Starbucks’ transphobia and homophobia — along with union-busting, low pay, overwork, unhealthy conditions, poor scheduling and more — are part of why workers need a union. At one point the company attempted to ban the display of Pride flags in their stores and has tried to deny gender-affirming care to trans workers.

The Starbucks union drive began in 2021 in one store in Buffalo, New York. Now there are over 700 unionized stores.

To learn more go to sbworkersunited.org.