Starbucks Workers In U.S. Form 1st Union

Starbucks workers from one store in Buffalo, N.Y. have now voted to form their first U.S. union. According to a report filed by Alina Selyukh of NPR, pro-union Starbucks workers are advocating for better staffing, training and pay, including steady wage increases for workers who stay with the company for years – only to discover their pay is not much more than that of new hires.

Photo Insert: Starbucks coffee cup

Describing it as a watershed moment for Starbucks, which operates 8,953 stores in the United States, the election marks one of the highest-profile union wins for U.S. restaurant workers (which are among the least unionized in that country) and attracting nationwide attention and support from key labor figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders.

For years, Starbucks has promoted its reputation as a progressive employer with generous benefits, arguing that a worker’s union is not necessary. It has denied these allegations and said it complies with all labor-organizing laws and guidelines.

According to Statista, Starbucks operates around 400 licensed stores in the Philippines.

In 1997, the Philippines had its first taste of the Starbucks Experience with its very first branch at the 6750 Ayala Building in Makati City. Starbucks has since won the hearts of the Filipinos. The opening of the 6750 Ayala store marked an important milestone in our history – the Philippines became the third market to open outside North America.

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