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Starbucks workers across North Texas have voted to join a national union, including this store in Hurst. (Ismael M. Belkoura | Fort Worth Report)
” data-medium-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_1784.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_1784.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1″ tabindex=”0″ role=”button”>Starbucks workers at the company’s Collins & Lamar location in Arlington voted 16-2 last week to join Starbucks Workers United, the union announced in August. The store became the third in Tarrant County to unionize, as two locations in Hurst and Fort Worth have joined the organizing effort over the past year. Jason English, a barista for more than three years, said he hopes the victory inspires others within the company and outside it to consider organizing their own workplace. “Unionizing protects ourselves and each other against overreach and abuse while allowing us to have a proper seat at the table,” English said. “I look forward to working with SBWU and Starbucks in improving our working conditions and in serving our community.”The vote continued a trend nationwide of more than 10,500 baristas at more than 480 stores opting for union representation.The workers said they are seeking protections on core issues like living wages, racial and gender equity, fair scheduling and respect. The union said peer-to-peer organizing led by workers themselves was a key to the victory. “Winning the election is a simple way for us to take autonomy of our own jobs instead of being at the mercy of management,”  said Rhea Tabora, a barista of 2½ years. “This is a reminder to whom we have worked for that we are partners.” In addition to the Arlington store, Starbucks employees in these locations have won union elections in the past week, according to the union:Boulder, Colorado

Woodbridge, Connecticut

Hamden,  Connecticut

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Marysville, California

Clearwater, Florida

Exton, Pennsylvania

Crown Point, Indiana

St John, Indiana

Portland, Oregon

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Fridley, MinnesotaEmployees represented by Workers United met with company officials at the bargaining table in July for the latest round of negotiations, trying to make progress on a foundational framework that is intended to form the basis of individual store contracts, according to the union. Union representatives said that hundreds of delegates representing all union stores are engaged in the bargaining process.Workers United said that it and the company are working toward reaching contracts for represented stores in the next few months. “This is the first step toward a brighter future for all partners over the country,” said Bryce Davis, a Starbucks shift supervisor for five years.According to Workers United, baristas at more than 480 Starbucks stores in 45 states and Washington, D.C., have won their elections since 2021.The latest union votes by Starbucks employees come at a time of management change at the company. In August, Brian Niccol was appointed chairman and chief executive officer and will start in his new role Sept. 9. Niccol previously served as chairman and CEO of Chipotle.After several quarters of weak sales numbers, Laxman Narasimhan stepped down from his role as CEO and as a member of the Starbucks board, effective immediately.At the Arlington Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.