[US] Starbucks accused of unfair labour practices in Buffalo

On May 6, US federal labour officials filed an extensive complaint accusing Starbucks of unfair labour practices at its stores in Buffalo, New York, including retaliation against pro-union employees, Borneo Bulletin reports.

The US National Labour Relations Board’s (NLRB) Buffalo regional director outlined a number of labour law violations in a filing seeking reinstatement and backpay for the employees.

A wave of unionisation drives has affected Starbucks stores nationwide, the first union votes were in December at three stores in Buffalo.

The coffee chain reportedly called the allegations “false” and vowed to fight them at an upcoming hearing.

“Starbucks does not agree that the claims have merit, and the complaint’s issuance does not constitute a finding by the NLRB,” spokesman Reggie Borges wrote in an email. “It is the beginning of a litigation process that permits both sides to be heard and to present evidence.”

Starbucks Workers United, the group behind the unionisation effort, said the complaint “confirms the extent and depravity of Starbucks’ conduct in Western New York for the better part of a year”.

“Starbucks is finally being held accountable for the union-busting rampage they went on,” Danny Rojas - a fired shift supervisor - said in a statement. “Starbucks needs to understand that it is morally corrupt to retaliate against union leaders, and I am looking forward to the NLRB forcing Starbucks to make this moment right.”

In April, federal labour officials asked a judge to force Starbucks to reinstate three union activists at its Phoenix location, alleging the coffee giant engaged in unfair labour practices.

By the end of last week, workers at more than 250 US stores had filed petitions with the labour board to hold union elections, labour organisers said.

At least 50 of those stores have voted to unionise with Workers United, a branch of the Service Employees International Union. Starbucks reported on May 3 that its sales had climbed to record levels in its fiscal second quarter but noted it faced higher employment costs, which are poised to grow even higher in the coming months as the company introduces new pay raises and other benefits.

Workers who have voted to unionise or stores that have petitioned to hold a union election will not be eligible for those additional wage hikes and benefits.

Starbucks Workers United has said it filed charges with the labour board against Starbucks on May 3. The group alleges that the company is violating labour law by threatening to exclude unionised stores from receiving the new benefits.

Source: Borneo Bulletin

(Quotes via original reporting)

On May 6, US federal labour officials filed an extensive complaint accusing Starbucks of unfair labour practices at its stores in Buffalo, New York, including retaliation against pro-union employees, Borneo Bulletin reports.

The US National Labour Relations Board’s (NLRB) Buffalo regional director outlined a number of labour law violations in a filing seeking reinstatement and backpay for the employees.

A wave of unionisation drives has affected Starbucks stores nationwide, the first union votes were in December at three stores in Buffalo.

The coffee chain reportedly called the allegations “false” and vowed to fight them at an upcoming hearing.

“Starbucks does not agree that the claims have merit, and the complaint’s issuance does not constitute a finding by the NLRB,” spokesman Reggie Borges wrote in an email. “It is the beginning of a litigation process that permits both sides to be heard and to present evidence.”

Starbucks Workers United, the group behind the unionisation effort, said the complaint “confirms the extent and depravity of Starbucks’ conduct in Western New York for the better part of a year”.

“Starbucks is finally being held accountable for the union-busting rampage they went on,” Danny Rojas - a fired shift supervisor - said in a statement. “Starbucks needs to understand that it is morally corrupt to retaliate against union leaders, and I am looking forward to the NLRB forcing Starbucks to make this moment right.”

In April, federal labour officials asked a judge to force Starbucks to reinstate three union activists at its Phoenix location, alleging the coffee giant engaged in unfair labour practices.

By the end of last week, workers at more than 250 US stores had filed petitions with the labour board to hold union elections, labour organisers said.

At least 50 of those stores have voted to unionise with Workers United, a branch of the Service Employees International Union. Starbucks reported on May 3 that its sales had climbed to record levels in its fiscal second quarter but noted it faced higher employment costs, which are poised to grow even higher in the coming months as the company introduces new pay raises and other benefits.

Workers who have voted to unionise or stores that have petitioned to hold a union election will not be eligible for those additional wage hikes and benefits.

Starbucks Workers United has said it filed charges with the labour board against Starbucks on May 3. The group alleges that the company is violating labour law by threatening to exclude unionised stores from receiving the new benefits.

Source: Borneo Bulletin

(Quotes via original reporting)