Workers at unionized Starbucks stores in the United States, including several in Florida, have participated in strikes and other collective actions. Their demands include fair wages, safe working conditions, predictable scheduling, and good-faith negotiations with management.
Starbucks Workers United (SWU), which represents more than 400 unionized Starbucks locations nationwide, has reported ongoing unfair labor practices by the company. These practices include retaliation against union supporters, refusal to bargain, unilateral changes to working conditions, and withholding benefits from unionized employees.
The National Labor Relations Board has found merit in several cases against Starbucks involving illegal anti-union activities such as discrimination, surveillance of workers, and failure to negotiate as required by law.
According to the Florida Education Association (FEA), supporting these workers aligns with their mission of solidarity with all employees seeking dignity and respect on the job. The FEA states that its members benefit when the broader labor movement grows stronger.
The FEA noted that Starbucks workers in Florida face similar anti-union tactics as those elsewhere. They emphasized that public support from other unions can increase community pressure on employers and help protect workers who engage in collective action.
In a statement signed by the FEA and numerous local education unions across Florida, they expressed full solidarity with Starbucks Workers United and striking baristas both statewide and nationally. The resolution calls for Starbucks to stop all anti-union activity immediately, reinstate any terminated workers, comply with NLRB rulings, and begin good-faith bargaining with unionized stores.
The FEA also encourages its members and community allies to support unionized Starbucks locations by amplifying worker voices, joining solidarity actions where appropriate, and respecting lawful picket lines.
The resolution concludes: “We reaffirm the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the fight of Starbucks baristas is a fight for the future of worker rights, fair workplaces, and the health of the American labor movement.”
For further information about Starbucks Workers United’s efforts visit sbworkersunited.org.
The Florida Education Association represents more than 123,000 teachers and education staff professionals throughout Florida. It is described as the state’s largest association of professional employees representing PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, students preparing to become teachers at colleges and universities as well as retired education employees.
