Pro-Union Sentiment Seen Even Within Starbucks' Own HQ – CoffeeTalk

Pro-union flyers have emerged around Starbucks’ headquarters coinciding with a nationwide strike launched by baristas at 65 stores. This fourth work stoppage in two years, which began on Red Cup Day—an important promotional event for the company—aims to pressure Starbucks to finalize a union contract. Employees report that the flyers are displayed in various locations within the Seattle office, with some corporate workers expressing clandestine support for the striking baristas.

The flyers highlight demands for better pay and staffing, and they include a link to a “solidarity pledge” urging non-supporters to refrain from patronizing Starbucks during the strike. Additionally, one flyer critiques CEO Brian Niccol’s compensation, contrasting his $96 million pay package with the median salary of Starbucks employees, which stands at approximately $14,674. Niccol’s compensation has been criticized for reflecting the highest disparity among S&P 500 companies during a time when Starbucks announced only a flat 2% pay raise for salaried employees amidst cost-saving measures.

Despite recent controversies, Starbucks announced a $500 million investment in staffing and services under its Green Apron Service model. However, the ongoing labor conflict is highlighted as over 550 of the company’s nearly 17,000 stores have voted to unionize since 2021, with negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement remaining stalled for nearly a year. The situation reflects a growing tension between baristas and corporate policy, illustrated by the circulation of the pro-union flyers and previous employee protests against company mandates. Though some flyers have been removed from the headquarters, the dispute shows no sign of resolution.

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