Starbucks Plans to Extend New Benefits for Non-union Workers

Starbucks campaigns that discourage baristas from joining the union may include expanding new profits only to non-union workers.

Howard Schultz, CEO of the company has said that he is reviewing the coffee chain’s benefits program for its workers. However, employees who work at company-owned stores that voted to unionize would be ineligible for those improved benefits.

Under federal labor law, employers must negotiate with unions on behalf of workers about changes in wages, benefits, or other terms of employment. However, companies can still ask unionized employees if they want additional benefits.

In late March, before Schultz returned to the company, Starbucks Workers United said it was hoping to announce new benefits to curb union expansion at Starbucks Cafe.

About 200 company-owned Starbucks locations have submitted union documents in recent months. To date, 18 shops have voted to organize under Workers United, and only one coffee shop has voted against it.

In March, the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against Starbucks for violating federal labor law by dismissing the organizer at the Phoenix location.

Schultz has already launched a more aggressive anti-union campaign than former CEO Kevin Johnson in a week and a half in power. Schultz referred to the union in public letters and speeches with workers, calling for a divisive and unnecessary urge to organize.