BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Starbucks baristas in Brooklyn and Long Island are joining the growing movement to unionize, citing understaffing, inventory issues, and customer harassment.
Stephanie Perry, a two-year shift supervisor at a Brooklyn Starbucks, says she wants the company to live up to its values. While there are personal connections with managers and colleagues, the needs of employees are not being met. This is the primary reason behind her decision to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with Starbucks Workers United.
Perry, along with other employees at her location and another on Long Island, recently filed the petition. Starbucks Workers United is a union specifically for Starbucks employees aiming to improve working conditions.
Perry says that many Starbucks locations in her district are understaffed and don't receive the promised inventory. According to her, this lack of proper supplies leads to frustrated customers who take their anger out on baristas. Perry feels undervalued despite her store's strong sales performance.
She further describes the issue of customer harassment, stating that baristas are sometimes verbally abused and even threatened by customers who don't get what they want immediately.
A Starbucks spokesperson, Rachel Wall, released a statement acknowledging the right of employees to choose regarding unions. Wall says the company is committed to its promises to employees and highlights recent progress made at the bargaining table with the union. She also emphasized Starbucks' commitment to a safe work environment.
Perry remains hopeful that unionization will force Starbucks to improve working conditions and prioritize employee well-being. She believes this fight is not just for herself but for all her coworkers who deserve a better work experience.
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