The demonstration of worker solidarity at Starbucks could potentially prompt the company to improve its offer, as experts suggest that the public relations threat posed by continued worker protests may compel Starbucks to act. Matthew Bodie, a labor-focused law professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted Starbucks’ need to attract and retain a new generation of customers and maintain its image as a progressive employer.
Despite the leverage afforded to companies by federal labor laws allowing them to delay collective bargaining agreements without significant penalties, Bodie noted that Starbucks holds considerable power in determining the outcome of the labor dispute. He emphasized that under the current system, companies have extensive authority in managing collective bargaining negotiations, often resorting to contentious tactics.
In the event that Starbucks chooses not to present a revised proposal, experts anticipate that the union may adopt a more aggressive approach reminiscent of previous strategies. According to Johnnie Kallas, a labor relations professor at the University of Illinois, Starbucks workers engaged in approximately 100 strikes per year in 2022 and 2023, with the recent holiday strike marking the first work stoppage of 2024. Kallas explained that the union had temporarily shifted towards a more collaborative approach during negotiations but could revert to a confrontational stance if economic proposals remain unaddressed.
While Starbucks has recently projected a more conciliatory demeanor during negotiations, experts speculate that the company might adopt a more adversarial stance moving forward. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, as recently as last year, expressed skepticism about the role of unions within the company, indicating a potential shift towards a less labor-friendly approach.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), responsible for upholding labor regulations, is anticipated to lean towards a more management-friendly stance under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. This shift could embolden Starbucks to pursue a more aggressive strategy, considering the likelihood of minimal resistance from the NLRB.
John Logan, a U.S. labor history professor at San Francisco State University, cautioned that negotiations between Starbucks and the union might face obstacles under the new administration. As the parties deliberate on the next steps, union members aim to regroup during the holidays and strategize on their future course of action. Notably, the union plans to continue organizing new stores to strengthen its presence and influence.
In 2024, Workers United successfully unionized over 150 Starbucks stores, significantly expanding the total number of unionized locations to around 540. Aaron Eisen, a union representative, expressed the importance of growth for the movement, emphasizing that a larger union presence translates to increased collective bargaining power and influence.
The future of the labor dispute at Starbucks remains uncertain, with potential shifts in negotiation strategies and regulatory dynamics influencing the outcome. The resilience and determination displayed by the workers and the union underscore a commitment to advancing their collective interests despite the challenges ahead.
