Starbucks workers have been organizing for years against a deep-pocketed company bent on union-busting, spending millions on labor “consultants.” Despite management’s draconian anti-union tactics, the workers prevailed by organizing 400 stores.
And now the company in an apparent 180 shift has said is ready to bargain with its workers.
“Starbucks has agreed to sit down with workers representing its 400 unionized stores in late April and start hammering out principles for a labor accord, another sign the coffee chain and the union may be on the cusp of a new, productive relationship,” reports the Huffington Post.
“Both sides said the bargaining sessions were meant to create a framework for collective bargaining agreements at the stores represented by the union, Workers United. Each union store will have its own delegate, though how many take part in the in-person talks hasn’t been determined yet.
‘We remain committed to charting a new path forward with Starbucks and are making progress on bargaining details,’ the union said in a statement.”
Starbucks workers and their union have been an inspiration to workers around the country in traditionally non-union industries like retail and fast food. This latest development marks another important step for dignity and voice on the job for low wage workers who have gone far too long without collective bargaining.