Strikes Erupt in U.S. Starbucks Stores Over Alleged Mistreatment of LGBTQIA+ Workers
Strikes have commenced at several organized Starbucks stores across the United States, with more than 150 stores and 3,500 workers in Seattle, Washington participating in the initial wave. The strikes, organized by the Starbucks Workers United union, are scheduled to escalate further next week, potentially involving nearly 200 stores in total.
The primary grievance cited by the union is the alleged “hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers” by the coffee giant. The union claims that Starbucks has engaged in an “illegal union-busting campaign” that has disproportionately affected LGBTQIA+ employees. The strikers are demanding fair contract negotiations for union stores and an immediate halt to these alleged anti-union practices.
In a series of tweets, the union accused Starbucks of using “intimidation tactics” that include cutting hours, eliminating credit card tipping, and threatening workers with the loss of healthcare benefits. Additionally, the organization alleged that many employees are denied the guaranteed minimum of 20 work hours per week, which is necessary to access healthcare benefits. The union also criticized Starbucks for allegedly tokenizing queer and transgender employees for positive public relations purposes.
Starbucks Corporation swiftly responded to the allegations, labeling them as “false” and reaffirming the company’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. In a joint statement released on Friday, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan and Executive Vice President and President for North America Sara Trilling emphasized the company’s unwavering support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The protests were triggered by a Twitter post on June 13, in which the union claimed that Starbucks had banned Pride decorations in its stores across the United States. This announcement was followed by a Twitter thread elaborating on the situation, highlighting previous reports of changes to transgender benefit plans that resulted in additional out-of-pocket expenses for affected workers.
The union contended that Starbucks, despite claiming to be a pro-LGBTQIA+ company, had failed to provide substantial support to the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization argued that true allyship involves negotiating a union contract that ensures the preservation of benefits, freedom of expression, and mechanisms to hold management accountable.
As the strike gains momentum, more than two dozen additional stores are voting on strike authorizations, potentially pushing the total number of participating stores close to 200 by the end of the week. The Starbucks Workers United union remains resolute in its demands for fair treatment and the recognition of workers’ rights within the company.
Starbucks now faces a critical juncture, as the strike threatens to disrupt its operations and potentially tarnish its reputation. The company’s response and actions in the coming days will be closely scrutinized, as stakeholders assess its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and workers’ rights.
