STARBUCKS GUILTY OF UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES SAYS LABOR OFFICIALS

By Joi Ng

Federal labor officials filed a complaint accusing coffee retail giant Starbucks of unfair labor practices at its stores in Buffalo, New York. The accusations include retaliation against pro-union workers

Regional Director for the western New York’s National Labor Relations office outlined numerous labor law violations in a filing that seeks the reinstatement of terminated employees along with back-pay for missed time. The coffee retailer stated the allegations are “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.”

As of this week, workers at more than 250 U.S. stores have filed petitions with the labor board to hold union elections, labor organizers say. At least 50 of those stores have voted to unionize with Workers United, a branch of the Service Employees International Union.

There has been an increase in pro-union activity at Starbucks stores throughout the US. As recently as this week, workers at more than 250 U.S. stores filed petitions with the labor board to hold union fair and legal elections. Some 50 of those stores have voted to unionize with Workers United, a branch of the Service Employees International Union.