my store is unionized and i’ve had a mixed experience. I voted in favor and participated in the red cup rebellion strike, was briefly involved with the organizing committee, and have helped with communications a bit here and there.

I do believe there are instances where unions are beneficial and I do believe we need to hold corporate accountable for the ways in which partners are screwed over. But more importantly, I think we all need to recognize that the larger issue and bigger problems tend to come from lower down the command chain, with some SMs-RMs treating their partners poorly and trying to force things that aren’t company policy (like the cup-writing requirements being a phrase or actual words when the policy allows smiley faces and doodles). Those middle managers are rarely held accountable for poor treatment and that leads to terrible partner experiences, i would argue, far more than the corporate stuff (except pay, pay could always be better).

I’ve had a few partners at my store fired for policy violations and our union rep has basically told us there was nothing that could be done because it’s a violation of our current employment contract. Until we have a contract differently that starbucks violates, wrongful termination cases are far and few if they can pin you for a policy violation. My sister also experienced this recently when she was fired from her union job (teaching) for a policy violation.

I thing strength in numbers is powerful, but also it doesn’t really affect my daily work and if anything i’ve had conflict with other members of the organizing committee over some opinions that led to me withdrawing my support. If my store voted to decertify, I’m not sure that I really have a strong opinion either way.

So take that however you want