- In less than a year, more than 200 Starbucks workers have unified.
- Howard Schultz, the interim CEO, has spoken out against those efforts in a WaPo interview.
- “They are angry at the world. He said that they were angry at their circumstances. “Our responsibility to try to help them overcome this.”
Starbucks’ union drive this year was caused by “anger” among workers, according to its anti-union CEO.
Interview with The Washington Post, Howard SchultzThe unionizing baristas at the company made it clear that they were angry at the outside world. They are angry at their circumstances, which I can understand.
Starbucks workers in more than 200 locations Have mergedWithin a little over a decade, the union voted for improved pay, benefits and working conditions. The union was first voted in a US company-owned store December.
Schultz, who was CEO since 1986, is currently interim CEO. He said that while he is responsible for the company’s response, there are limitations.
Laxman Narasimhan As the incoming CEO of StarbucksOn October 1, Schultz will continue to work with the company before he assumes the CEO role. Schultz will join the board of directors on April 1.
Schultz has made it clear that he is opposed to Starbucks unionizing efforts. According to Schultz, Starbucks needs to “customize benefits” and show that people can trust it. When asked if it was possible for him to “accept the union” in that effort, Schultz said no.
Starbucks has been accused by many union-busting tactics. Federal labor officials from Buffalo, New York filed a complaint this summer. This is the home of the first unionized Starbucks. The company being accused of unfair labor practices It said Starbucks had closed pro-union stores, used surveillance and intimidation tactics, and fired workers for union organizing.
A company spokesperson Responded at the time, “We believe these claims are false and will be prepared to defend our case.”
A judge from the National Labor Relations Board ruled Friday that Starbucks illegally fired a worker in Michigan for union activism. This week also saw senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren as well as Bernie Sanders and Richard Blumenthal. sent Schultz a letterLooking for more information on Starbucks’ antiunion activities?
