Latin America
On April 9, 2009, the IWW Starbucks Workers Union announced the formation of the first union of Starbucks workers in Latin America, Sindicato de Trabajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile S.A. Starbucks baristas and shift supervisors in Santiago, Chile, have organized for respect on the job, a dependable work schedule, and a living wage, among other issues. Currently, Starbucks Coffee has about 30 stores in Chile, with plans to open six more stores in the near future.
“Starbucks has been in Chile for six years now, and since they opened, management’s communication with the workers has been getting worse and worse,” said organizer Andrés Giordano. “We have seen some reprisals against those who have voiced constructive criticism to management about such issues as dismissals and a lack of promotions for baristas,” he added. Baristas and shift supervisors only make $2 to $3 per hour, while they continue to sell over-priced specialty drinks for twice that amount. Meanwhile, the cost of living has increased by 26 percent in the last five years, according to Giordano.
"Around the world, Starbucks jobs must work for hard-working baristas, not just senior executives," said Chrissy Cogswell, a Starbucks employee in Chicago and a member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. "The Chilean baristas have created a voice at work to make sure their contribution to the company is respected."
“As a union, we are making reasonable demands, such as a wage increase, decent working conditions, and for Starbucks to adhere to their values of Corporate Social Responsibility.’ The company isn't following these principals, which are the base of our daily work and behavior in the stores,” said Giordano. He said the union workers in Chile are “glad and proud” to announce their union, and they look forward to more international solidarity with the IWW. “We believe our purpose will be stronger, as we strive together,” he added.
The Chilean Union has denounced several Union busting actions -or Anti-Union practices- undertaken by Starbucks in their country.
Read more about this topic: Starbucks Workers Union
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