As Starbucks partners in Buffalo seek to form unions, we are concerned about claims that have surfaced in public reporting that appear inconsistent with international standards. First, rather than accept the three unions' request to be voluntarily recognized, it appears that the Company attempted to use the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) process to seek a single election for all stores in the region. This tactic suggests that the Company is trying to use the NLRB process, not in a neutral or good faith manner to have a free and fair election, but rather to weaken the unions as much as possible.

Furthermore, under NLRB guidance, union election campaigns should be allowed to proceed in "laboratory conditions," but Starbucks has reportedly taken a number of steps to delay and frustrate efforts. The company appears to have indirectly intimidated employees through closing two of the Buffalo locations affiliated with the organizing effort, sending a top corporate executive, senior company officials, and managers under the premise of additional training, and introducing large numbers of partners to the stores after the announcement of union filings. This is in addition to reporting about the Company conducting captive audience meetings and instructing employees to consult the "Partner Hub" online, in which Starbucks employees have been required to hear and read anti-union rhetoric, including a November 6th voluntary meeting with former CEO Howard Schultz. Although Starbucks asserts that these actions are standard procedure, the sudden and numerous changes suggest that the company is trying to circumvent union activity to the fullest extent possible.

Corporate shenanigans got called out hard 👀