Reston Starbucks Baristas Vote To Unionize At Plaza America Location

RESTON, VA — Baristas at the Starbucks located in Plaza America voted 11-5 to join Starbucks Workers United, according to a company statement released on Friday.

This decision adds the Reston location to a national movement of Starbucks employees seeking union representation. The vote makes the Plaza America store the 25th unionized Starbucks in Virginia, contributing to a total of over 570 locations nationwide represented by the union.

Workers joining the union are advocating for improved working conditions, including better pay, staffing levels, and scheduling practices. Baristas have reported issues such as chronic understaffing and difficulty securing enough hours to qualify for benefits.

“After being at Plaza America for 6 years, today feels like the first day that our voices have been heard," said barista Robin Fox. "Partners that are the backbone of the coffeehouse experience will be able to work with dignity knowing that we're only growing stronger in our fight for better.”

Fox added that the organizing efforts are driven by a belief in Starbucks' potential for better pay, staffing, scheduling, and respect.

“This vote to unionize is a vote to be heard," said Liv Galvin, a barista of three years. "It’s harder for the company to ignore us when we stand together in our goal for better treatment.”

Galvin also noted that workers want fair treatment and for the company to recognize the contributions of its employees.

“At Starbucks, our success starts and ends with our partners (employees)," said Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks spokesperson. "We respect our partners right to choose, through a fair and democratic process, to be represented by a union or not to be represented by a union. Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners. The facts show people like working at Starbucks. Partner engagement is up, turnover is nearly half the industry average, and we get more than 1 million job applications a year."

Since the campaign began in late 2021, workers have won, on average, a union election every other day. Last year, more than 2,000 workers joined Workers United, achieving an 82 percent win rate. Baristas are now focused on finalizing a fair union contract that addresses concerns about hours, take-home pay, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges. The National Labor Relations Board has found Starbucks guilty of more than 400 labor law violations.