By An independent assessment, released on Wednesday, has stated that Starbucks should better communicate its commitment to workers’ collective bargaining rights and improve training to instill respect for those rights among its employees. This assessment was conducted at the behest of Starbucks shareholders, who had grown concerned about the company’s adherence to its own human rights standards amidst a bitter unionization drive in its U.S. stores.
Unionization efforts within Starbucks, since 2021, have witnessed at least 370 of the company’s 9,600 company-owned U.S. stores vote in favor of joining Workers United, a Servie Employees International Union affiliate. Starbucks has resisted these efforts, resulting in no contract yet being agreed upon between the company and Workers United at any of the unionized stores.
Although Starbucks opposed the independent assessment initially, its shareholders disagreed, with 52% endorsing the move. As such, the Seattle-based coffee giant enlisted the services of Thomas Mackall, a lawyer and expert in labor relations, to complete the assessment.
Mackall’s report reveals that Starbucks was taken by surprise by the surge in unionization efforts and had not adequately trained or provided guidance to its employees on how to navigate interactions with labor unions.
He further noted that the National Labor Relations Board’s general counsel has lodged over 130 unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks. These charges typically pertain to managers making illegal threats or promises to workers involved in unionization campaigns, as well as retaliatory actions taken against pro-union employees through disciplinary measures or terminations. However, Starbucks vehemently disputes these charges.
According to Mackall’s findings, there is no evidence suggesting that Starbucks deliberately trained its managers to violate labor laws. Moreover, the company maintains that it consistently communicates to its employees its respect for their right to organize. Nevertheless, Mackall recommends that Starbucks enhance the training provided to its managers to ensure their understanding and compliance with U.S. labor laws.
Starbucks Faces Scrutiny Over Employee Treatment and Collective Bargaining Rights
A recent analysis by labor expert John Mackall reveals that both unionized and non-unionized stores exhibit similar rates of employee discipline and discharge. However, the union’s campaign has significantly increased scrutiny on Starbucks, necessitating the company to consistently uphold its standards.
Moreover, Mackall finds fault with Starbucks’ Global Human Rights Statement, implemented in 2020, stating that it fails to offer adequate behavioral guidelines or a clear framework for ensuring compliance with the company’s commitment to recognizing workers’ collective bargaining rights. Thus, he recommends that Starbucks revise the statement to provide a more definitive expression of their dedication.
In light of these findings, Mackall suggests that Starbucks makes efforts to revive labor negotiations with Workers United, which have been stagnant since May. Following this advice, Starbucks recently issued an open letter to the union, expressing their willingness to resume talks.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Starbucks’ board of directors announced on Wednesday their plans to take substantial action based on Mackall’s conclusions.
In response to the report, Workers United issued a statement acknowledging the existence of “deep problems in the company’s response to workers’ organizing.” The union acknowledges that Starbucks has a long journey ahead in terms of reforming policies and dismantling entrenched anti-union practices that are still actively in place.
Nevertheless, Workers United remains ready and enthusiastic about engaging in further negotiations at the bargaining table.
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