Starbucks workers at two locations in Denton, Texas, have made headlines by voting to unionize, becoming part of a growing movement among the global coffee chain’s employees.
The stores at Hickory Creek and Teasley Lane, and East University Drive in Cross Roads voted 14-3 and 15-2, respectively, in favor of joining Starbucks Workers United, per the Dallas Business Journal.
These votes mark the 24th and 25th Starbucks locations in Texas to unionize, adding to a nationwide effort representing over 11,000 baristas at more than 520 stores. The movement reflects growing worker dissatisfaction and a demand for greater workplace rights within the coffee giant.
Starbucks Workers United, established in 2021, has been at the forefront of the unionization effort.
The organization advocates for higher wages, increased staffing, better equipment, and more management accountability. The Denton stores join a list of locations that see unionization as a path toward addressing long-standing grievances. Employees have voiced frustrations over understaffing and insufficient pay, which they believe have been overlooked in the company’s pursuit of profitability. Union representatives emphasize that these efforts aim to create employees’ sustainable and equitable working conditions.
The union’s push has recently intensified, with members authorizing strikes to pressure Starbucks into addressing their concerns.
On December 17, Starbucks Workers United announced that 90% of its members had voted to authorize a strike if necessary. This led to walkouts beginning on December 20 in major cities like Seattle, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The strikes highlight what the union describes as unresolved unfair labor practices, with hundreds of pending charges. These actions illustrate the growing resolve of workers who feel their voices have been ignored for too long.
Unionization efforts have faced resistance from Starbucks, which maintains that it provides competitive wages and employee benefits.
The company has pushed back against union organizers, arguing that direct communication between employees and management is the best way to address concerns, per DBJ. However, union supporters argue that collective bargaining offers a stronger platform to negotiate and secure long-term workplace improvement.
The movement has grown steadily since the first Starbucks store unionized in Buffalo, New York, in 2021. Texas has been a key battleground, with 25 stores now joining the cause, reflecting a shift in a state not traditionally known for its strong labor movements, reported DBJ. The Denton votes signify a turning point, highlighting the increasing appeal of unions even in regions where collective bargaining has historically faced skepticism.
Starbucks Workers United has leveraged its national presence to coordinate efforts, bringing attention to workers’ grievances and building solidarity among baristas across the country. As strikes disrupt operations in some key markets, the company faces mounting pressure to engage with union representatives and find common ground.
The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for labor relations at Starbucks and beyond.