Starbucks challenged results of union election in Prosser. Baristas to vote again
Workers at the Starbucks in Prosser will vote again on unionizing after the results of the initial election were set aside by the National Labor Relations Board.
The NLRB will hold a second election Thursday by mutual agreement of Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. and the union working to organize workers at its ubiquitous stores around the country.
The Prosser workers voted 21-6 to join Workers United on Sept. 19, citing reduced hours, lost benefits and being forced to work while ill. In doing so they became the first Starbucks in the Mid-Columbia to unionize and one of the few in Eastern Washington.
Results of that vote were set aside when Starbucks later challenged the results, NLRB records show.
Interfered with employees
According to a notice announcing the new election, Starbucks alleged the petitioner (or union) “interfered with the employees’ exercise of a free and reasoned choice” in the Sept. 19 election.
Starbucks released a statement that reaffirmed its commitment to its employees and noted its average wage is $17.50 an hour for hourly employees, swelling to $27 when benefits are added.
Benefits are available to eligible employees and the company offers 100% tuition reimbursement through its College Achievement Program, it said.
It said it welcomes the new election in Prosser.
“Our focus throughout this process is to ensure that every partner engaged in a union representation election can trust the process is fair, their voice and vote are considered, and that the final outcome is true and accurate,” it said.
Who is eligible
Those eligible to vote include full-time and regular part-time baristas and supervisors employed at the Starbucks at 10 Merlot Drive, Prosser, during the payroll period that ended Oct. 8.
Managers, assistant store managers, office clerks, confidential employees, managers and guards are ineligible.
The ballot asks employees answer the question, “Do you wish to be represented for purposes of collective bargaining by Workers United, Affiliated with Service Employees International Union?” by marking either “yes” or “no” on a secret ballot.
Eligible workers may cast ballots any time polls are open: 10 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m.
Prosser part of movement
The Starbucks in Prosser is one of the most prominent in the Mid-Columbia because of its location next to Interstate 82. Workers there filed a petition with the NLRB to unionize in August and cast their first ballots a month later.
As of Oct. 31, 2023, workers at 456 stores in 46 states have filed to be represented by Workers United, according to the union.
Election results show workers at 364 stores chose to join the union and 82 voted not to join.
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