Current:Home > NewsStarbucks, Workers United union agree to start collective bargaining, contract discussions-LoTradeCoin
Starbucks, Workers United union agree to start collective bargaining, contract discussions
View Date:2024-12-23 22:53:12
Starbucks announced Tuesday that it will begin discussing potential collective bargaining agreements with the labor union representing nearly 10,000 employees from around 400 stores.
The coffeehouse chain's decision comes nearly three years after Workers United, an American and Canadian labor union, initially organized baristas at a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York.
"Starbucks and Workers United have a shared commitment to establishing a positive relationship in the interests of Starbucks partners," Starbucks said Tuesday in a statement. "During mediation discussions last week for the ongoing brand and IP litigation, it became clear that there was a constructive path forward on the broader issue of the future of organizing and collective bargaining at Starbucks."
In addition to opening up discussions, "as a sign of good faith," Starbucks agreed to allow employees represented by Workers United to receive credit card tips from customers and other benefits, which the company announced in May 2022, according to Starbucks' statement.
"While there is plenty of work ahead, coming together to develop this framework is a significant step forward and a clear demonstration of a shared commitment to working collaboratively and with mutual respect," Workers United said in a statement.
Starbucks, Workers United relationship taking turn for the better
Starbucks and the union's relationship began going in the right direction in December 2023 when the company sent a letter to Workers United as an "attempt to propose a path forward that would allow us to resume productive contract negotiations."
"We collectively agree, the current impasse should not be acceptable to either of us," Starbucks said in the letter. "It has not helped Starbucks, Workers United or, most importantly, our partners. In this spirit, we are asking for your support and agreement to restart bargaining."
Before sending the letter in December, both sides hadn't spoken in seven months, the Associated Press reported.
Starbucks workers strike:Union plans walkouts on Red Cup Day
Pending lawsuit between Starbucks, Workers United
Despite efforts to improve the relationship, both sides still have "outstanding litigation," which Starbucks said Tuesday it hopes to resolve with the labor union.
The company sued Workers United in October 2023 over pro-Palestinian social media posts shared by the union's account, which angered hundreds of Starbucks customers, put other employees' safety at risk and blemished the chain's reputation, according to court records. Starbucks filed the suit in the Southern District of Iowa.
The company also sued over Workers United's "unauthorized use of the famous Starbucks name and logos that copy the famous Starbucks logos," court records show. The company accused the union of using "copycat logos" to promote fundraising, sell merchandise and falsely promote political and social topics on behalf of Starbucks.
Starbucks requested a jury trial and permanent injunctive relief prohibiting the union from using logos similar to theirs, court documents show.
Workers United countersued against Starbucks in a Pennsylvania federal court and requested that the union be able to use Starbucks' name and similar logos, according to court records. Workers United also accuses Starbucks of defaming the union by associating them with terrorism.
Starbucks announced pay raise, Workers United planned 'Red Cup Rebellion'
After filing the suit, Starbucks announced in November 2023 that it would increase hourly wages and benefits for most U.S. workers. The pay raise came after the company had a fiscal year with record sales, according to a statement by Starbucks.
During the same month, Workers United planned a strike that led to thousands of Starbucks employees at hundreds of locations walking out during Red Cup Day. The union-coined "Red Cup Rebellion" stemmed from claims that Starbucks was "illegally refusing to bargain with baristas over staffing, scheduling and other issues," Workers United said in a news release.
"Promotion days like Red Cup Day, half-off ThursYays and Buy One Get One Free offers cause a flood of customers to stores without any additional staffing to cover the influx of orders," the union said in the release.
Contributing: Gabe Hauari, Emily DeLetter
veryGood! (42)
Related
- Here's Your First Look at The White Lotus Season 3 With Blackpink’s Lisa and More Stars
- This Minnesota mother wants to save autistic children from drowning, one city at a time
- James hits game winner with 8 seconds left, US avoids upset and escapes South Sudan 101-100
- How much water should a cat drink? It really depends, vets say
- Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
- Taylor Swift starts acoustic set with call to help fan on final night in Gelsenkirchen
- In New Mexico, a Walk Commemorates the Nuclear Disaster Few Outside the Navajo Nation Remember
- At least 40 dead after boat catches fire as migrants try to escape Haiti, officials say
- Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time
- JoJo Siwa Reveals Plans for Triplets With 3 Surrogates
Ranking
- Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
- Suspect arrested in triple-homicide of victims found after apartment fire in suburban Phoenix
- Fact-checking 'Twisters': Can tornadoes really be stopped with science?
- Jake Paul's message to Mike Tyson after latest victory: 'I'm going to take your throne'
- Charles Hanover: A Summary of the UK Stock Market in 2023
- Psst! J.Crew Is Offering an Extra 70% off Their Sale Right Now, Including Chic Summer Staples & More
- What is Microsoft's blue screen of death? Here's what it means and how to fix it.
- Behind Biden’s asylum halt: Migrants must say if they fear deportation, not wait to be asked
Recommendation
-
Martin Scorsese on faith in filmmaking, ‘The Saints’ and what his next movie might be
-
Evan Mobley and Cleveland Cavaliers agree to max rookie extension
-
Gabby Douglas Reveals Future Olympic Plans After Missing 2024 Paris Games
-
Olympics 2024: Meet the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Competing in Paris
-
Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
-
Gwyneth Paltrow Shares What Worries Her Most About Her Kids Apple and Moses
-
Moon fests, moon movie and even a full moon mark 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing
-
Isabella Strahan, the daughter of Michael Strahan, announces she is cancer-free