Wayne Starbucks Baristas Choose To Unionize, Advocates Say

WAYNE, NJ — A Starbucks in Wayne Township has decided to unionize, becoming the eighth location in the Garden State to do so, advocates say.

On Monday, 16 baristas from the Wayne West Belt Plaza Starbucks location unanimously decided to join Starbucks Workers United, adding to more than 700 locations and representing 12,000+ workers nationwide.

“We voted to join Starbucks Workers United for our six terminated partners, better working conditions, and proper staffing. We are excited to move forward as a union store and to have our voices heard,” said barista Manny Williams. “We take great pride in greeting our customers, making their favorite drink, and remembering them when they come back. As of November 9th, 2026, we also take immense pride in being the first New Jersey Starbucks in two years to join the union.”

Related: Starbucks ‘Rebellion’ Reaches NJ, What Customers Should Know

Formed in Buffalo, NY, in 2021, Starbucks Workers United has become a "powerhouse organizing movement driven by worker-to-worker organizing."

Last year, more than 3,000 baristas from 145 stores across 105 cities joined what was dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” a movement led by the Starbucks Workers United union. It became the longest unfair labor practice strike in Starbucks history.

The group, while striking up several deals with the coffee giant, is still seeking workers' contracts that address the following "core concerns":

• "Better hours to improve staffing: Baristas report chronic understaffing while struggling to get enough hours to qualify for benefits or pay their bills.
• Higher take-home pay: With starting wages at $15.25 in most states and average schedules of just 19 hours per week, which is just below the threshold to qualify for benefits, many baristas rely on SNAP and Medicaid.
• Resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practices: Starbucks has been found guilty of more than 400 labor law violations, with more than 550 unfair labor practice (ULP) charges still unresolved."

Read More: Starbucks Will Pay $35M to NYC Employees After Violating Labor Laws

Other unionized Starbucks locations in New Jersey can be found in Hamilton, Trenton, Summit, Montclair, Parsippany, Succasunna, and Roxbury.

Learn more about the movement here.