Overview
- Starbucks Workers United formally launched a consumer boycott on Tuesday calling on customers to stop buying Starbucks until the company signs first contracts for its unionized stores.
- The union represents more than 12,000 baristas and is asking for a $17 per hour minimum, more guaranteed hours, higher store staffing levels, and basic workplace protections.
- Workers United says the campaign is backed by over 550 pending unfair labor practice complaints at the National Labor Relations Board and administrative findings that it cites as evidence of systematic violations.
- Starbucks responded that it offers competitive pay and benefits and will continue to bargain, while the company reported 7.9% U.S. comparable sales growth and about 70% adjusted earnings growth in its recent quarter and saw shares dip roughly 1.5%.
- The boycott has drawn endorsements from major labor groups including the AFL-CIO and SEIU and could influence how stalled first-contract fights and NLRB enforcement shape future service-sector union wins.