Starbucks Workers Union - Legal Actions

Legal Actions

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks in which it alleged the company prohibited workers from distributing union leaflets or wearing union buttons while they were at work. The company settled the charge with the National Labor Relations Board in March 2006. The company did not admit it had broken the law, but did agree to post notices explaining workers' rights under the National Labor Relations Act at three of its stores. In addition, it was forced to allow two employees to return to work and compensate three workers for lost wages in an amount less than $2,000. The union claims that four of its members have been fired for union activities, a charge the company denies.

On January 14, 2005, charges stemming from a march during the 2004 Republican National Convention were dropped against union co-founder Daniel Gross. Witnesses allege Starbucks's managers coordinated with the NYPD to single out Daniel Gross and another union activist from a crowd of 200 protesters.

In June and August 2006, several organizers were fired by Starbucks, including union co-founder Daniel Gross who Starbucks claims made a threatening remark to a district manager at a union rally. Gross denies the charge. The NLRB is currently reviewing the circumstances of the dismissals.

On May 17, 2007 union baristas in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced they also were filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB based on Starbucks reaction to the union drive there.

On July 11, 2008 union baristas in Minneapolis, Minnesota filed an unfair labor practice over the firing of IWW barista Erik Forman. After an escalating campaign of direct action, including a petition and a work stoppage at the Mall of America location, Starbucks offered Forman his job back and later settled with the NLRB.