Workers at Starbucks store in Chicago join union

The baristas at the Logan Square Starbucks store joined the IWW Starbucks Workers Union Tuesday night, and issued a set of demands that included a living wage, guaranteed work hours and the reinstatement of IWW baristas fired for organizing activity. (Crain's Chicago Business)

Comments

[ExSFBarista]

Starbucks' benefits & wages are on the whole very good for the retail sector.

Why don't those damn organizers go after someone who really abuses their workers, like Wal-Mart?

[Jimmy Chang in NYC]

They have organized in what, 2 stores?

Big whoop. There are 11,000 stores world wide. These partners in Starbucks who think a union representation is better need to have their heads examined. Oh and by the way, that new deduction on their paycheck is what for union dues? Morons they all are. Each and everyone of them.

[Scorpio370]

I use to work for a company when I was 18 that had a union. It was the biggest waste of money I put out on EVERY pay check. The union wouldn't do half the stuff they said they would, and when it came time for contract talks, wouldn't take into account what we really deserved. Yet they saw fit to raise their dues every year I worked for that company.

I really hope that people don't start taking unions into their stores, it will bring nothing but grief to them.

[Formerly "anon"]

Living wage is a demand that all retail sectors have been abusing for years. So yes, we should go after Wal-Mart, too, but it has to start somewhere. Since Starbucks has a more or less prestine image, it's important to expose that the company is paying no-where near living wage. It has to start somewhere you know...

[Josh]

Am I the only one who thinks that a starting wage for an unskilled position of $10 an hour plus $2 +/- in tips is too high. Starbucks pays well I've always thought and While Portland is a long ways from Chicago I'd estimate that at least 75% of partners qualify for health coverage, very cheap health coverage I might add. This is just ridiculous.

[Scorpio370]

Josh, Very well put! I agree with that completely!

[Todd]

Having recently started at Starbucks for $7/hr I have to say that joining the union is tempting. And I want to put it out there that $7 with NO guarantee on hours is NOT AT ALL a living wage. Period. There is no way to get an apartment, pay utilities, pay for transportation, clothes...and...and..and...and...on $7/hr.

$10 starteing plus $2 tips...hahaha...where are you working? what a load of bs

This is simply untrue. You can call the store and find out. Just another ploy by these riduculous workers trying to get something for nothing. You're not working in a sweatshop, quit and get another job.

And Todd...$7/hr plus tips, plus health insurance, plus stock options, plus free coffee, plus decent work environment, plus...plus...plus. You don't like your job? Quit.

[Scorpio370]

Actually, Josh is not the one who looks to have a problem with it.

Also, I have to say, if the union does come in, you probably will lose the ability to get tips. Most of the people who work in my area are college students or people who just want a part time job.

[Cali girl]

Wal Mar starts at 9.50 plus benifits for part time not bad for an entry level job ... hey same as Starbucks.

Wal-Mart is not the same as starbucks in terms of employee treatment though.

Iv'e seen way too many staff mistreated just shopping around in the store and I also admit I watched a documentary which also had a lot of questionable Wal-Mart polices in it.

I just don't give that company any of my business. Let's face it your lucky if anyone knows about pets in the pet department or if anyone knows anything about home repair in the home repair department.

Their level of knowledge is very limited.

[Todd]

Alright, well Person That Did Not Sign A Name,
Health Care has a cost, stock options start after A YEAR and do not vest for 4, also even though I have a completely open availability I can only get between 22 and 25 hours a week. But, Never once did you hear me say that I dislike my job. I enjoy the people I see everyday, I have a fondness for my store regulars. This discussion has nothing to do with liking the job, so please stop being snarky. The point I was trying to make is that even in louisville, KY $7 with a "percentage" wage increase six months down the road, will not pay the bills.

[Cali girl]

You are correct Wal Mart and Starbucks are not the same. I have been in retail for several decade now and I can tell you that Wal Mart has the lowest turn over rates for entry level than any other retailer.
Both are great places to start, retail is a hard job where ever you work and the pay is low becuase you can start without any experience. thats what is ment by entry level.
If a person needs gaurenteed hours and high pay they should not go into retail...period.

[hustla]

I just started working at Sbux about a month ago and have no complaints at this point, but you are working in the wrong place if you are trying to make a "living wage". Look around at your local store, most partners are very young, mostly students who do not have all of the financial responsibilities of a "real" adult. The only older people I work with are at least shifts or managers, who I assume make a "living wage". Starbucks is clearly a part time job, and shouldn't be taken so seriously. The job is fun and for the most part easy, as long as you aren't retarded. If it wasnt so fun and a nice environment, then I would go back to making $20 an hour waiting tables. Sbux is not a career and if you want to make it a career you need to be patient as you move up the ladder. Union babies need to relax and enjoy the free coffee and look for a real job.

[corianderstem]

Hustla, that may be the case at your store, but rest assured there are a LOT of retail partners who are working their butts off to raise families on their Starbucks tips and wages (although some have other jobs as well).

Or there might be another partner who works to provide health care for their family, because maybe their spouse/partner makes more money, but works at a job that doesn't provide health care.

So yeah, yay for having a fun job, but there are plenty of reasons that other partners may take it more seriously than you. (Which is by no means a criticism, just wanted to make that point.)

[416barista]

I'm a part-time student working ar sbux. I make enough for my needs, I work 30 hrs a week, I have health coverage, and I'm investing a bit of my pay into stocks......

There are not many places where I could be doing this....oh and I actually enjoy what I do, which I bet I would not be saying if I worked at walmart!!

[Scorpio370]

Take it from someone who has worked at walmart and now works at starbucks...

BIG DIFFERENCE! There is nothing that is even compareable. When I worked at wally world, there were not benefits for the part timers. You only got them if you were full time. Starbucks is the only company I know of, and I'm sure it's not the only one out there, that gives it's part time partners benefits. Becoming union will not be a good thing. Starbucks will take away a lot of what you already get all in the effort to give you what you want.

[Hey Now]

I've worked for starbucks for quite a while. I started out at an hourly position and I agree that you cannot live on those wages and tips alone.

It is true that stock options don't start for a year or vest for four, and health care costs money. But, Health care costs money everywhere, nowhere is it free. I will say though, if you want to earn more money perform better and get promoted. Stick around for four years in the company and watch your pay rate, bank account(when those options vest, hello free money) and benfits grow. There is no instant gratification. If you are serious about earning a real wage it can be done at Starbucks, you just have to stick around to do it.

If you want more hours, offer to pick up shifts at other stores or at your own store. The company has over ten thousand stores, the opportunity is there(that is ten thousand managers, twenty thousand assistant managers, forty thousand shift supervisors, etc. etc.) All this opportunity for what an unskilled position can grow into? A real career can be made at starbucks, but it takes hard work.

I don't want to be the cheesy Starbucks cheerleader guy, I have my own issues with the comany, but I've seen people move up in the company so many times that it is hard for me to deny that it can be done.

[coffeeguy]

Accually it's funny I've found out that taking marketing while working at starbucks has really had it's benefits.

Hopefully when I finish school I can just work as a barista until a marketing posistion opens. :)

The company has great values and if you are going to school for anything that will benefit the company they will galdly help you out how they can.

[Chris Meisenzahl]

That's really too bad, some people never learn. ;-(

[Jason]

"Living wage is a demand that all retail sectors have been abusing for years. So yes, we should go after Wal-Mart, too, but it has to start somewhere. Since Starbucks has a more or less prestine image, it's important to expose that the company is paying no-where near living wage. It has to start somewhere you know..."

So is this about making a living wage or tarnishing Starbucks image??

You guys have a lot of fucking nerve...
There are TONS of partners, myself included, that LOVE this company. And most people in this company understand that this is an entry-level job. Would you expect a living wage from Burger King or KFC? We do almost the exact same job! Only our job is easier (anyoen who has worked fast food and Starbucks will agree) and we are treated better by the company.

We DONT need a union! This is a retail/fast food job! If you want a living wage, GO GET A REAL JOB!! Lazy fuckin Union bastards....

[Cali girl]

Jason, don't hold back, you are right of course.

[jasc]

wondering if the "unionized" Starbucks folks will picket the store on Monday. Oh no, it's open on Labor Day! Another lawsuit perhaps...?

[Formerly "anon"]

Well, I've finished school and got a REAL job now making a living wage and free health insurance from my company for my family and I. I use to work for 'bucky's (2 years) and it was extremely tough with a young child, since 'bucky didn't do anything to help my family besides the $7.50/hr and $1.5/hr tips. Simply ridiculous. Thank goodness my wife and I finished school and we're now actually making a living wage elsewhere. If you're contempt getting ripped off my 'bucky and other retail/fastfood joints with no union, feel free...Just don't have any kids and be OK living in a hole in wall that you call "home," because you won't be able to afford a kid or a reasonable "home" working at your "beloved company."

[jb]

Formerly "ANON" the word i believe you were looking for was content, not contempt. Starbucks workers are not getting ripped off, the customers are. No one forces anyone to work at Starbucks. If you thought they did, you should have chosen to work somewhere else. Starbucks and other similar corporations do not have a responsibility to you or any other employee to pay a wage that you deem livable. You should be greatful that a man of vision created the chain and offered you a position in the first place. Surely you have not shown this sort of vision or your post would not have been made. Yet another example of a dog getting scraps and complaining about how they taste.

[Formerly "anon"]

JB, I think the word you were looking for was "grateful," not "greatful," but I'm not to be the spell nazi that you are (after all, it was almost 4:30 in the morning when I made my post, and I'm here to please anyone). Let's just say that Starbucks has done nothing for my family or any working class family with or without children. Like I said JB, don't expect to have a real "home" and have kid/kids with your Starbucks "income." I'm just glad my family and I have moved on to much bigger, and much better things...best of luck to all of you that want this too.

[CuteBarista!]

i agree with Hey Now...it is very possible and very easy to move up in this company.

as for living off sbux wages, well, i do it. i think i probably make about $700 a month after all taxes, health care, 401K and SIP is taken out. i make about $300 a month cash in tips. this is what i live off right now, since i am currently not selling a whole lot of work (i am an artist).

so yes, it is possible...like this: i do not live in a "hole". i live in a nice three bedroom rowhouse with my roommate in a nice, cheap neighborhood in the Illadelph. i have no debt whatsoever except for a small student loan payment and my utilities. i don't own a car, so no gas, insurance or car maintenance.

someone asked me yesterday how i live off starbucks, and my answer is simple: i keep my expenses low.

[nickname]

i don't think anyone is arguing AGAINST having livable wages for work done, in any field, at any company.

however, that would take a total overhaul of the whole system, which isn't in the cards for the near future (near enough that you could benefit from working at McD's and putting able to put a down payment on a condo).

however, unions aren't really the thing to get us to that point.

if they were, then we'd be there - as unions have had major power at times thorughout our recent history, and still carry a lot of the america's in their current history - and as of yet, have not been able to make good on their promises.

what this is about is those same promises.

look at the ONLY unionized starbucks' in both canada and america (in BC, CAN). they have the same benefits, the same pay as the rest of the country. i am not sure what types of guarentees they have, but i know a few people who have worked in them, and they say that things are basically the same, there are just more (!!) rules to follow.

they don't get all the union has promised would be far superior to the non-unionized stores. the don't superceed any choices, decisions or impacts in the company as a whole, in any major way (outside of the usual - except perhaps the rewriting and reinforcement of the dresscode policy two summers ago...)

so what will the union bid buy?

you may not be able to live off a barista' wages. starbucks never expected you too.

you will however be able to live better off entry level at starbucks then anywhere else; be able to feel good about yourself and what you do; enjoy your job, coworkers, boss and clients (hopefully); make an impact on people in their routines and life...

[Jason]

"Well, I've finished school and got a REAL job now making a living wage and free health insurance from my company for my family and I. I use to work for 'bucky's (2 years) and it was extremely tough with a young child, since 'bucky didn't do anything to help my family besides the $7.50/hr and $1.5/hr tips. Simply ridiculous. Thank goodness my wife and I finished school and we're now actually making a living wage elsewhere. If you're contempt getting ripped off my 'bucky and other retail/fastfood joints with no union, feel free...Just don't have any kids and be OK living in a hole in wall that you call "home," because you won't be able to afford a kid or a reasonable "home" working at your "beloved company."

!!!!!!!!! NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ITS NOT STARBUCKS RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR YOUR FAMILY EXPENSES!! A RESPONSIBLE ADULT WOULD HAVE FOUND A BETTER SUITED JOB TO RAISE A FAMILY ON. AN IMMATURE CHILD WITH A "VICTIM" COMPLEX WOULD PROBABLY BLAME STARBUCKS THOUGH...

[TNBarista]

"I use to work for 'bucky's (2 years) and it was extremely tough with a young child, since 'bucky didn't do anything to help my family besides the $7.50/hr and $1.5/hr tips."

Starbuck's is providing me, my wife, and my one year old with insurance for under $100 dollars a month, as well as providing adoption assistance. I am pleased with how the company is helping my family.

[Theolaxor]

Hey, nickname what *$ in BC is unionized?

[Josh]

Formerly "Anon"
two things...one my wife and I have a son and a "Real Home" and have survived quite well on starbucks income.
and two you say repeated that starbucks did nothing to help your family, how did you make it through school. It seems to me Starbucks did a lot for you at that time in your life, you've moved on and that's great for you, but do you dislike a company that got you through those tough times?

[Jb]

Let me preface my comment by saying this. I do not, nor have i ever worked at Starbucks. The post made by ANON is not accurate. By providing someone with no viable skills with an income, insurance, and stock options, you are in fact, giving them something. ANON, have you come up with an idea that has changed a fundamental concept of American life? No you have not. This is not all for one and one for all. This is capitalism, the greatest economic system the world has ever seen. Risk captial is rewarded or crushed, and those who take the risk have no obligation to those who lack the intelligence or courage to do the same. In fact, it is with near disdain that we look upon those who use Starbucks as something aside from a transitory place of employment. Nothing ventured, Nothing gained. This is not just a quaint saying, it is the reality of the world. Easily replaceable employees who have never taken a risk on their own, should not complain about what someone who has tken the risk and succeeded deems their employee's contribution to be worth. So with this in mind, do not complain of spoiled or a shortage of milk as you suckle at the teat of a successful capitalist/risk taker. So, if you are not intelligent enough to understand either my economic concepts or my concluding metaphor, contact me. I will provide you with some insight and help you to become a better educated, well rounded person.

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

Today I was in another Starbucks and noticed these flyers at the bar advertising the need for a Starbucks union in Boston. I at this time question whether or not a unio is necessary in this city. However, I left them there and hoped the baristas would find them. I know the store manager at that location was very nice and therefore a union is not necessary to protect the baristas interests. However, what would it mean if the Starbucks union did spread into Boston, because now there would be three cities with unions in them. This could again be a problem of Starbucks not paying attention to partner concerns. It could turn into something like Chantico all over again.

[Becca]

Back in my undergrad days (all of two years ago) I worked at the Bucks in Montreal, which meant that it was a licensed opperation. Pay was 10 cents above minimum wage (it is still that there, according to my friend who still works there, it's now just below 8$/hr, and just below 9$/hr for SS). We didn't get health care, we didn't get bean stock, we only got 1/2 lb of coffee a week (i know, very minor, but still a difference) we never had guaranteed hours (due to the manager, not the company as a whole). Now that I work in a corporate store, I couldn't imagine going back. If there is any group of starbucks workers who need a union, it would be the licensed workers in QC, and possibly elsewhere, but I truly can't see a need for it in the corporate stores.

[nickname]

okay.

there is only ONE city with a union in it. and that is in canada, not in the US.

the partners in NY and chicago are members of a union, but the union has NO power, or recognition (ability to negotiate) with starbucks, since the stores themselves are not unionized...

there are, i think, 5 total stores in all of NA that are unionized, somewhere in BC (i think in vancouver, although it may be in victoria).

one of which just un-unionized very recently.

the last union in the US was in the roasting plants in the 90's, but they too un-unionized.

it's just more propaganda calling these stores unionized, since they aren't; and one of the NY stores recently (in the last 5 months) had a vote - and lost.

there are not ANY unionized stores in the US.

[formerly "anon"]

Since today is Labor Day, here's some reading from our local paper in Seattle.

"Insidious anti-labor bias hurts workers"

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/connelly/283710_joel04.html

Here's a profound excerpt:
-"The problem we face is not only a loss of living standards, but a loss of moral standards as well," Monsignor Higgins wrote. "Increasingly our economy is sending the message that it values accumulated wealth over honest work. In this economy it seems that everything is going up -- except the earnings of working people."

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

I agree. It is interesting today is Labor Day yet Starbucks partners are still unable to discuss how they think Starbucks could improve the working conditions unless it is through "appropriate" channels and we all know how well that will turn out because Starbucks has such great communication.

[coffeeguy]

"isk captial is rewarded or crushed, and those who take the risk have no obligation to those who lack the intelligence or courage to do the same."

Man are you ignorant.

You ever think about those of us who were born into poverty and have nothing at all to risk financially. all I can do is work my butt off to try and get somewhere.

I'm VERY thankful to have the opportunity to go to colledge. But make no mistake becuase of your capitalism I have zero chance of ever being able to get anywhere in life other then middle class. If you have no money to risk even working hard by the time you have the money to risk it's all invested away in your kids.

Capitalism is such a lie. Try being born bottom rung poor next time and see just how far YOU get working your butt off as hard as you possibly can.

[formerly "anon"]

I totally agree Coffeeguy. This whole argument by alot of individuals here that "if you don't like the situation at Starbucks, just leave" is flawed, because there's a huge segment of our population that can't risk even ONE paycheck. I was also very thankful to have the opportunity to go to college , but NOT thanks to Starbucks (after all, they have a very restrictive list of approved courses...i.e. business related). I'm just glad that my wife and I were able to fight our way out of Starbucks, otherwise our young child would not have had all the opportunities she has now.

Oh please...a significant percentage of wealthy individuals started out in poverty or near there. Heck, Howie came from a fairly poor family himself. Steve Jobs also came from a poor to low middle class family, went to public schools and was a college drop out.
Admittedly, it is easier to become wealthier if you come out so and it's harder to be wealthy if you start out poor but it's neither impossible nor unlikely to those who try.

I could say pretty confidently that there aren't any unionized stores in BC. I work there and I haven't hit one yet - unless they're the airport stores, which are licensed anyway.

I work as a Barista, and so does my girlfriend. We live together and are able to afford rent, food, utilities, etc. and still have a weekend out with shopping. At nice stores. So this whole fuss about $8/hr or whatever your starting wage *was* is ridiculous. I used to work with a single mother with three kids, and she was *bar none* the most enthusiastic person I've ever met. She loved Starbucks.

Would I like more? Definitely. Would I *pay more* to get more? Definitely not. I wanted more, so I became a shift.

And for everyone saying Starbucks isn't a *real* job - try telling that to the thousands of coffee farmers, buyers, agronomy staff, roasters and support staff, whose very livelihoods depend on *you* doing your *fake job*. Would they survive without me? Definitely. But what if every barista out there picked up their pace and sold another pound every week because *they cared*. Hell, don't sell it, just talk about it! That's what? 572,000 pounds of coffee to farmers? An extra million dollars to farmers?

Yes, it's a real job! The reason we're all getting $8 an hour is because nobody gets that. Nobody puts effort into it. And yes, I know that there's thousands of truly dedicated partners out there, but we need MORE. THAT'S WHY THERE'S BEAN STOCK. IF YOU WANT MORE, IT'S UP TO YOU! If you want to make more than the burger flipper at McD's, then make this job more than that!

Besides, the economics of scale just don't allow for a Barista to make a lot more than that. On a 30% margin, you'd still only be pocketing what, 55k? And that's before it's split up between everyone else that made those drinks possible. (7 hrs a shift @ 3 min./customer @ $5.00 avg. ticket)

[nickname]

there are unionized stores in BC.
they belong to CAW...

http://www.caw.ca/campaigns&issues/pastcampaigns/starbucks/whyOrganize.asp

quote from the site:

Effectively bargaining for all B.C. Starbucks

Following the conclusion of the last two sets of collective bargaining, in 1997 and 1999, Starbucks turned around and gave the financial improvements won by the Union to all non-union stores in order to diminish the apparent benefits of joining the CAW. In effect, we have and are bargaining for improvements for all B.C. Starbucks employees - both union and non-union - based on the strength of our unionized stores.