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US college rallies back Starbucks baristas’ boycott amid stalled contract talks
Students, Starbucks baristas, elected officials and other supporters held rallies at more than 40 US college campuses to back a boycott called by Starbucks Workers United. The union says talks over a first contract have stalled for nearly five years and is pressing the company for better pay and staffing.
The union is seeking a minimum wage of $17 an hour and at least three workers per store, alongside job security protections. More than 700 Starbucks stores, representing over 12,000 baristas, have voted to unionise; the first did so in Buffalo in December 2021. Some universities have already ended or reduced Starbucks deals, while the company says the rallies distract from bargaining and are unlikely to disrupt its holiday business.
In short
- Rallies backed the Starbucks boycott at more than 40 US campuses.
- The union wants $17 hourly pay and at least three workers per store.
- More than 12,000 baristas are represented by unionised stores.
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The case for
Supporters argue that nearly five years without a first contract after workers voted to unionise warrants public pressure, and that higher minimum pay, adequate staffing and job security would improve baristas’ working conditions. Campus rallies and boycotts let students and other customers express solidarity, while universities can use their purchasing choices to support workers’ demands.
The case against
Critics argue that a boycott can put pressure on the business without resolving the issues at the negotiating table, and that rallies may distract from bargaining. Starbucks says the demonstrations are unlikely to disrupt its holiday business; universities may also weigh the value of their existing deals and the views of customers and staff before ending or reducing them.
Explained simply
Starbucks Workers United is a union representing baristas at US Starbucks shops. Workers at more than 700 stores have voted to unionise since the first such vote, in Buffalo in 2021. Union votes establish a workers’ organisation, but do not by themselves settle the terms of a contract with the company.
A first contract would set agreed conditions for unionised workers. The union is seeking at least $17 an hour, three workers per store and protections for job security; Starbucks and the union have been negotiating those terms. Students and other supporters have joined the dispute because some universities have Starbucks outlets or business arrangements, giving campuses a role in how the boycott is received.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “College students rally in support of Starbucks baristas urging boycott over contract impasse”.