Newberry Starbucks Workers File For Union Elections

NEWBERRY, S.C. – Starbucks employees at the Main Street and Wilson Road location in Newberry made a significant move towards workplace reform on Tuesday. In an ambitious act of unity, they filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This move was part of a larger movement where a total of 18 Starbucks outlets across the country took similar action.

A Day of Massive Union Filing

The filings come shortly after the conclusion of a second round of national negotiations between Starbucks and its Workers United members. The two sides have been making steady progress in creating a foundational framework for store contracts. The workers from Newberry, along with those from 17 other stores, seek to join a movement that already includes more than 10,500 baristas. Their demands range from core issues like respect and fair scheduling to living wages, and racial and gender equity.

“Coming from a small town in the South, we don’t get many opportunities to make a change,” said Chesney Bolton, a shift lead of three years. “We look forward to joining the bargaining process to negotiate a contract that not only helps the partners in Newberry, but the partners across the country as well.”

An Open Letter to Starbucks CEO

The workers from the 18 stores co-authored a letter addressed to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan, expressing their reasons for organizing. They highlighted their united front despite working at different stores, as they shared experiences and demands for higher wages, fair and consistent scheduling, improved benefits, and a safe and dignified workplace.

Historic Organizing Campaign

Ever since Starbucks partners united to form a union in 2021, a significant number of stores have pursued similar actions. More than 440 Starbucks stores have won union elections with the NLRB in 43 states and the District of Columbia. This historic campaign, led by workers for workers, has resulted in multiple election victories across the nation.

Members of Starbucks Workers United have made substantial strides during their negotiations, including establishing “just cause” standards and securing education benefits for organized workers. This ongoing wave of union movements has prompted more partners in Starbucks stores nationwide to join their ranks.

The mass filing on Tuesday comes after recent weeks have seen several victories, with employees in multiple states voting to join Starbucks Workers United. This move attests to the increasing momentum that the union movement is gaining within Starbucks.