Newberry Starbucks Workers File for Union Elections Along with 17 Other Stores Nationwide

NEWBERRY, S.C. – In an incredible display of collective action, Starbucks workers at the Main Street & Wilson Road location in Newberry have filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This action took place in conjunction with 17 other Starbucks locations nationwide, marking a significant day for the rights of workers in the retail industry.

An ongoing trend of unionization

The proposal to unionize represents a more extensive trend across the country. Starbucks Workers United members have recently concluded the second round of national bargaining with Starbucks, resulting in meaningful progress towards establishing foundational frameworks for store contracts. Over 10,500 baristas from different parts have joined this movement, seeking important protections regarding wages, racial and gender equity, fair scheduling, and earnest respect from the company.

Increased demand for improved rights

Chesney Bolton, a shift lead of three years, expresses his and his colleagues’ hopes for the impact of this movement. “We look forward to joining the bargaining process to negotiate a contract that not only offers benefits to the partners in Newberry but also to partners across the country,” Bolton says. A letter co-authored by workers from the 18 stores to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan communicates their concerns and their just demand for a safe and dignified workplace.

Nationwide union bids at Starbucks

Other cities where Starbucks workers have filled for union elections include notable locations like Burbank, CA, Miami, FL, and the famous 155 Water Street Starbucks in NYC, among others.

History and precedent

Since Starbucks partners first formed a union in 2021, workers at more than 440 Starbucks stores nationwide have won union elections with the NLRB in 43 states and the District of Columbia. This unionization campaign is primarily driven by workers themselves and has seen successive successes in numerous stores across the country. Newberry Starbucks workers’ latest bid for unionization comes just after several successful union drives in states like Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana and others.

Progress in negotiations

Moreover, Starbucks Workers United members have managed to secure significant benefits for organized workers during negotiations. They have established a “just cause” standards provision in contracts and improved education benefits for workers. Thousands of partners across the country are integrating themselves with this surging union movement.

This grand day of filing for union elections marks an important episode in the history of workers’ rights in the retail industry. It has brought employees from different parts of the country together, uniting them in their fight for better working conditions and respect from their employer. Whether the Newberry Starbucks employees will succeed in their bid remains to be seen, but their attempt marks important progress in the larger movement of workers’ rights.