Starbucks Speaks Out On Unionization In Brookline, Other Sites

BROOKLINE, MA — After over two months of silence, Starbucks has spoken out about unionization efforts at its locations on Harvard Street in Brookline, Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, and dozens of other cafés across the country, writing a list of what employees should consider if their store votes to organize.

The statement was published as a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on a new branch of its website called "We Are One Starbucks." The page includes information about why the company prefers employees to vote “no," what happens if a store unionizes, and how voting works.

"We know that some partners are considering unionizing and know that you may have questions about that,” the company wrote. "We do not believe unions are necessary at Starbucks because we know that the real issues are solved through our direct partnership with one another. And we believe every partner deserves to know the facts and to make their own decision."

The company’s latest communication brings up several potential negatives of unionizing, including that there “is no opt out” for employees if a "yes” vote is certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

In addition, Starbucks notes that employees would be represented by Workers United, which is one of the largest unions in the country and not a group of “partners for partners,” and could be required to pay union dues or fees to maintain employment.

"We have been very open and honest with partners that if they don’t want the union—or are not sure—they should vote ‘no,’” said the company.

The Starbucks locations in Brookline and Allston first filed paperwork to unionize on Dec. 13. This is the first time the chain has spoken out since publishing an open letter to employees on Dec. 20.