Starbucks baristas claim ‘monumental win’ to unionize in Prosser. The 3rd in Eastern WA
A nationwide campaign to unionize Starbucks workers claimed its first Tri-Cities area victory this week as employees at a Prosser store voted 21-6 to join Starbucks Workers United.
The store at Merlot Drive and Wine Country Road is the 22nd operating Starbucks location in Washington state, home of the Seattle coffee giant, to unionize.
This week’s vote came after workers in Prosser filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with Starbucks Workers United in August. Workers cited lost work hours, lost benefits and being forced to work when ill for making the move.
Katy Tollefson, a barista who organized colleagues in Prosser together with Damian Lozano, called the outcome a “monumental win” in a news release issued by Starbucks Workers United.
“I look forward to working with Workers United and Starbucks to make sure everyone in the store has a great partner experience,” she said.
Starbucks previously defended its record and said its relationship with employees is core to its culture. Starbucks said it invested more than $1.4 billion in the past year on new benefits to making it easier for customers to tip on credit and debit card transactions.
The company notes it pays an average wage of $17.50 an hour, or $27 when benefits are computed, exclusive of tips.
To date, 10 stores in Seattle, two in the Olympia area, two in Bellingham and one each in Everett, Marysville, North Bend, Redmond, Shoreline, Spokane and Walla Walla have voted to unionize, according to Workers United.
One Seattle shop rejected the union and two additional votes are pending at Seattle area locations, including Seattle Center.
The national unionization movement is driven by worker demands concerning working conditions, wages and consistent schedules. Workers claim they’re countering the “faux-progressivism” portrayed in the company’s marketing materials.
Starbucks Workers United has organized 356 stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C., since its inception in December 2021.
Workers at 449 stores in 46 states have filed to unionize, according to Perfect Union.
Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities
Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the region’s top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday.
