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A Second Bite At the Apple? Buffalo Area Starbucks Seeks to Unionize Despite Losing Election


A few months ago, there were elections held at several Buffalo area Starbucks in which workers took steps to unionize at the company.  While initial attempts to unionize several of the Buffalo area locations was successful, the union lost one election in the Buffalo area with a 12 - 8 vote against unionizing.

While some might have thought that was the end of the road for that particular location, we have had an interesting development as of late.  Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) sought to order Starbucks to recognize the union that lost the election on the grounds that the company had unlawfully intimidated and retaliated against workers that sought to unionize.

What happens here is quite simple.  The Buffalo regional office of the NLRB has to issue a complaint against Starbucks, which was previously done.  That complaint argued that Starbucks fired two employees because they supported unionization, promised benefits to workers to not unionize, and subjected workers to surveillance.  Based upon the complaint, it has been argued that a fair election could not be held based upon the alleged actions of Starbucks.  Next, these allegations will be heard by an administrative law judge that will make a ruling.  The ruling could then be appealed to the NLRB in Washington, D.C.

Ultimately, whether the complaint, which is being made to compel Starbucks to recognize the union at this particular location, proves to be successful remains to be seen.  However, with an NLRB that has come out guns blazing against employers, including Starbucks, as of late, this is one to keep an eye on in the weeks and months ahead.


For additional information:  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/business/starbucks-union-buffalo.html

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