URGENT UPDATE: Baristas at two Starbucks locations in Minnesota have officially voted to unionize, joining the movement led by Starbucks Workers United. Workers at the West Seventh Street location in St. Paul and the Wayzata Boulevard shop cast their votes on November 15 and 16 respectively, marking a significant development in ongoing labor efforts.
In St. Paul, 18 workers voted in favor of unionization while just one opposed, while in Wayzata, the vote was 11-5. These results come amidst a major labor strike that has unfolded since November 13, impacting approximately 3,800 baristas across more than 180 stores in 130 cities nationwide.
Both locations remained open on Monday, and while workers and shift supervisors at these shops have chosen not to join the strike currently, their decision to unionize signals a growing demand for better working conditions and pay. The union, under the banner of the “Red Cup Rebellion,” is advocating for improved staffing, fairer wages, and resolution of complaints regarding alleged unfair labor practices.
This unionization marks the 15th and 16th Starbucks stores in Minnesota to join the movement, with a total of 11 and 12 in the Twin Cities area. The push for unionization has gained momentum as baristas seek a finalized national labor contract covering nearly 11,000 unionized baristas at 560 locations across the country.
Despite claims from the Seattle-based coffee giant that they offer competitive wages and benefits, negotiations have stalled since April when union representatives rejected a contract offer. The ongoing strike has included other locations in the Twin Cities, such as a Starbucks at 3704 Silverlake Road and at 190 Lake Drive, both of which unionized in recent years.
Starbucks has faced scrutiny as it shuttered around 520 stores nationwide, including a location on Snelling Avenue that was closed earlier this year. As the union movement continues to gain traction, expect further developments in labor negotiations and potential expansions of the strike.
In this rapidly changing labor landscape, the implications of these union votes could reshape the future of Starbucks in Minnesota and beyond. Workers and advocates are calling for immediate action and support as they push for their rights and fair treatment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
