Starbucks union urges strikes as new CEO Narasimhan succeeds Schultz
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The early exit of Howard Schultz from the coffee chain he founded has not quieted labor disputes between baristas and executives at Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX).
According to Starbucks Workers United, strikes are planned at more than 100 locations across the country on Tuesday. The group published a full list of locations agreeing to strike, urging more stores to join the action.
âStarbucks stores across the country are striking to demand an end to Starbucks' illegal union-busting campaign,â the group said. âWhile the company keeps a metaphorical 'empty chair' for us in the boardroom, we're demanding a real seat at the table!â
Outgoing CEO Howard Schultz has long grappled with labor organizers, increasing benefits and highlighting workplace improvements to quiet union demands in the past year. However, hundreds of stores have nonetheless applied for union recognition since the first store voted to unionize in December 2021. Numerous labor complaints have been filed with the NLRB over that span as well.
Schultz is set to testify in front of the Senate HELP committee on March 29th after being threatened with a subpoena. Ahead of his testimony, he stepped down ahead of schedule, handing the reins to Laxman Narasimhan on Monday.
Narasimhan was originally due to take over as the chainâs top executive on April 1.