Starbucks Employees in Santa Clarita Join Unionization Movement
Rising Tide of Union Elections Across the Country
The LA News Center has learned that a Starbucks store in Santa Clarita has become the latest to join the growing number of locations where employees have voted to form a union. On Wednesday, workers at the Newhall Avenue and Carl Court coffee shop submitted a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to initiate a union election, according to a statement from Starbucks Workers United.
The union’s efforts have gained significant momentum recently, with over 20 Starbucks stores nationwide expected to file for union elections in the coming weeks. This surge in unionization activity comes shortly after the first bargaining session between Starbucks Workers United and the company, where they made progress towards establishing a framework for store contracts.
Baristas across the country have expressed dissatisfaction with reduced hours, particularly during peak promotional periods, and inadequate compensation. Silas Starling, a barista at the Santa Clarita Starbucks, voiced the workers’ concerns:
“Starbucks is prioritizing profits over employee well-being. They consistently cut our hours while expecting us to maintain the same workload and improve performance. Many of us are juggling education, multiple jobs, or family responsibilities. Understaffed shifts with grueling conditions take a toll on us.”
In response, Starbucks spokesperson Rachel Wall stated that the company is committed to providing a better future for all employees. While respecting their right to unionize, Starbucks believes that the direct relationship between employees and the company is essential to the customer experience.
Union Growth at Starbucks
Since 2021, over 10,000 baristas in 420 stores have joined Starbucks Workers United, spanning 43 states and Washington, D.C. The Santa Clarita location is the latest addition to this growing network.
The unionization movement within Starbucks has been driven by concerns over workload, compensation, and job security. Baristas have expressed a desire for a stronger voice in the workplace and a seat at the negotiating table. By joining a union, they hope to address these issues and improve working conditions for all employees.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
