Comment: Starbucks can follow offer of union talks with action
Published 1:30 am Saturday, December 23, 2023
By Tami Lee / For The Herald
I have a story to share, one that takes place right off 37th Street and Broadway in Everett.
This story is about Tom who is a partner within a company where he has worked for 18 years. His years of experience would evolve in the ability to improve working conditions for employees, inspire staff longevity and customer loyalty. Tom is nothing short of a hot mocha with vanilla cream and a twist of peppermint flare to inspire holiday cheer!
Like all exceptional stories, Tom experienced a downturn. The regional manager found Tom putting up union material in the backroom in a union store during his free time. In case you are curious, this action is safeguarded by the National Labor Relations Act as a protected activity. The flyer was removed; Tom put up another. This repeated. The law states that employers are forbidden to interfere with such activity to improve terms and conditions of employment. The outcome? Suspension without pay. No documentation. No discussion. No clarity regarding his future. A deterrent to take down the union flyer permanently.
After 18 years of being employed, Tom was accused of insubordination as he did not adhere immediately to the regional manager’s request to leave. The copy of his “Corrective Action Form” reads ambiguously so that the corporation takes no accountability of taking down the union messaging multiple times. Tom was threatened that if he did not obey the order, next time the consequence could include separation of employment, a fear tactic to restrain workers who live paycheck to paycheck into refraining or engaging in union activity. For three weeks Tom had to survive without pay.
This is just one story of many as to why the workers at this coffee establishment have unionized. Starbucks repeatedly has stated that stores run more efficiently without a third party (union) and wants to work with partners directly. Why then have more than 370 Starbucks stores unionized? It is because together employees have a stronger voice to shape their working conditions, which honestly is a benefit to Starbucks: Employee retention, employment referrals, employee pride. Returning customers who are loyal to their barista (even when eggnog is not an option).
Unions have been around since the mid-19th century in response to social and economic impact, similar to what is going on now. They are vital to protect workers and to negotiate a fair and livable wage. And communities are showing support too for frontline employees who work directly with customers. They are getting their jolt elsewhere when there is a strike, like on Red Cup Day or when their favorite barista is suspended.
On Dec. 13, Tom was reinstated with full backpay, an indirect admission of wrongdoing by the company. And while we are thankful that Tom is back, this story won’t have a happy conclusion until Starbucks negotiates a fair contract with all unionized stores.
Earlier this month, Starbucks sent a letter to the union stating interest in restarting contract negotiations. To Starbucks management and Starbucks Workers United Union, Everett is home to the Labor Temple (built in 1929), where negotiations and the first contract can take place. The time is now. Let us start 2024 fully charged with caffeine and goodwill towards the workforce.
Tami Lee is the communications and administrative manager for the Snohomish and Island Counties Labor Council.
