Fact Sheet: Starbucks Partners and Unions
Starbucks Position on Union Representation of Partners o Starbucks firmly believes that the direct employment relationship which we currently have with our partners is the best way to help ensure a great work environment. We believe we do not need a third party to act on behalf of our partners. We prefer to deal directly with them in a fair and respectful manner, just as we have throughout our history. o Starbucks respects the legal rights of all its partners and does not take action or retaliate against partners who might be interested or take part in union activity. o There are no unionized Starbucks stores anywhere in the United States. Facts about Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) o Although the IWW at times calls itself the “Starbucks Workers Union,” they have not been certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as the representative of any Starbucks partners. o Activities and charges to the NLRB by the IWW have been instigated by a few partners from a handful of stores in Manhattan. o There are no unionized Starbucks stores anywhere in the United States. In fact, two nights before there was to be a vote on one New York City store’s efforts to unionize in July 2004, the IWW withdrew their petition and no vote was held. We believe the IWW lacked the support of our partners. o A few partners in one store in New York, who are in the minority of the more than 100,000 partners who work for Starbucks worldwide, instigated the IWW activity. o No Starbucks partners have been disciplined or terminated as a result of this activity. o The informal settlement that Starbucks entered into with the NLRB in March 2006 provided that Starbucks has not admitted any wrongdoing or liability. Starbucks agreed to the informal settlement with the NLRB to allow our partners (employees) to continue to serve our customers without distractions. For Starbucks statement regarding our partners and union representation please go to: http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=686
