Olympia Starbucks joins nationwide union push, citing ‘abysmal working conditions’
Baristas at a Starbucks in west Olympia have filed to join a workers union, as stores across the country band together for employee rights.
The Cooper Point Village Starbucks, located at 315 Cooper Point Road NW, sent a letter to the coffee chain’s President and CEO Kevin Johnson announcing their intent, which was shared on the Workers United Twitter page on Feb. 26.
In the letter, signed by at least 20 people, employees at the Olympia location referenced the company’s record-breaking $8.1 billion in revenue reported in the first quarter of 2022. Despite the uptick, employees said they’ve continued to experience “abysmal working conditions” that have made it difficult for them to be proud of who they work for.
“We have faced an onslaught of mistreatment from arrogant and unchecked customers, complete disregard from our superiors, and compensation that in no way counterbalances the sacrifices we have made for the Siren,” the letter reads.
The first store to push for unionization was in Buffalo, New York, in December. Since then more than 100 stores across the country have filed a petition to unionize.
Employees at the Olympia location wrote that they anticipate a domino effect with more and more stores moving to unionize.
When asked for comment from store managers, The Olympian was referred to the Starbucks’ media relations team for comment. Sarah Albanesi, media relations specialist, said the company will respect the process and will bargain in good faith guided by their principles.
In the letter, employees said they demand a livable wage — “one that reflects the ever-inflating costs to survive during late-stage capitalism.” They also are demanding more say in decision-making, higher quality mental health resources and more accountability for higher ups.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Olympia Starbucks joins nationwide union push, citing ‘abysmal working conditions’."
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