No contract? No coffee!

The union drive at Starbucks began almost five years ago with the first election win in Buffalo, New York. Now over 700 stores with over 12,000 workers have unionized, with new victories announced every month. The union has made some gains, such as the withdrawal of a drink-flavoring powder that caused breathing difficulties for workers.

Yet the workers still do not have a first contract. There have been a number of strikes and a campaign for supporters to delete the Starbucks app from their phones. Despite widespread support for the union, Starbucks bosses continue to stall negotiations.

On Aug. 25, Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) officially called a boycott of all Starbucks stores and products. SBWU is asking groups such as unions and faith congregations to support the boycott. 

Many people were already not patronizing Starbucks, either out of solidarity with the union drive or because of Starbucks’ support for the genocidal, Zionist State of Israel.

The union’s main contract demands are around staffing levels, hours of work and wages. Workers want to be able to support themselves, and they want safe working conditions. They are demanding at least three workers in a store at all times and a minimum starting wage of $17 an hour. SBWU also wants the over 550 Unfair Labor Practice charges it has filed with the National Labor Relations Board to be resolved. 

As the union states: “Starbucks Workers United is a bright spot in a bleak landscape: 12,000+ baristas — many of whom are young, queer and workers of color — are organizing for a fair contract with higher pay, better staffing and hours and an end to the company’s ruthless union-busting campaign. They’re calling on everyone who supports working people over corporations to boycott Starbucks until their demands are met and a fair union contract is reached.” (boycottstarbucks.net)

Boycott Starbucks!