Starbucks Workers United is out with a major announcement today—they've managed to get Starbucks to agree to "discussions on a foundational framework to achieve collective bargaining agreements for represented stores and partners". This is a significant development because Starbucks has, to this point, been categorically oppositional to collective bargaining. They have viciously union-busted stores and SBWU and been held in violation of the law for doing so. While it's only a first step (and even SBWU admits this), it's the first sign that Starbucks may be losing its ability to hold out against the SBWU movement.
SBWU's full quote is transcribed below the cut:
Workers United and Starbucks share a commitment to developing a productive relationship in the best interests of Starbucks partners. During mediation discussions last week over ongoing brand and IP litigation, a constructive path forward emerged on the broader issues of the future of organizing and collective bargaining at Starbucks.To build on that path, Workers United and Starbucks have agreed to begin discussions on a foundational framework to achieve collective bargaining agreements for represented stores and partners, the resolution of litigation between the union and the company, including brand litigation, and a fair process for workers to organize.
As a sign of good faith, Starbucks has agreed to provide workers represented by Workers United with credit card tipping and benefits announced by the company in May of 2022.
While there is plenty of work ahead, coming together to develop this framework is a significant step forward and a clear demonstration of a shared commitment.