NLRB contends Starbucks retaliated against pro-union workers
The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint on Tuesday against Starbucks Corp. (Nasdaq: SBUX) alleging the Seattle-based coffee giant has unlawfully retaliated against pro-union baristas in Phoenix.
The coffee chain has become a face of a national movement to unionize retail workers, with baristas at more than 130 locations filing for elections, and a handful already approving them. The filing stems from one of the dozens of active complaints filed by Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.
Starbucks has denied the claims of unlawful union-busting, but did not respond to immediate requests for comment. A spokesperson told Bloomburg via email, “We’ve been consistent in denying any claims of anti-union activity. They are categorically false.”
The complaint marks the first time the NLRB has found merit in accusations against Starbucks' handling of the unionization effort. It states that Starbucks suspended one unionizing barista for a previously approved medical absence after she voiced concerns about staffing and pay, in an effort to prevent other staff from sharing similar opinions. Additionally, it accuses Starbucks of denying preferable scheduling for another worker before ending her employment.
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