Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As efforts to unionize three Starbucks stores in Western New York continue, organizers say those who work for a unionized store will have an advantage over non-union workers.
Organizer Michelle Eisen says when you join Starbucks, it's like any other corporation. "They know at the hourly level, you're told what you're going to do, you're told what you're going to say, you're told what you're going to make, and you don't have a say in that process. We need a democratic process set up that allows us to have a voice in that," says Eisen.
Eisen says the three stores which will vote to unionize won't bargain together.
"Each store will have a specific list of things they will want to bargain for," explains Eisen. "We'll sit down across the table from folks who have been less than helpful the last two months and we'll ask for these things."
Eisen cites pay as an item for negotiations, saying, "I don't feel comfortable negotiating higher pay for myself just because I happen to be there 10 years and then looking at another barista who's only been there a year and say you haven't earned that yet."
"We need to collectively come together and figure out what's best for our particular store and what's best for the company."
Eisen says working conditions is the biggest thing she'll negotiate for. "Eight people are already more than enough people behind the counter. Putting 16 back there is dangerous. We have hot liquids, we're running into each other, there's all sorts of things going on. I'm not sure what that's going to accomplish. It can't look good from the customer's perspective if you walk in and see people trip over each other trying to serve you coffee," says Eisen.
Eisen says during the pandemic, it appeared Starbucks didn't care, as workers had to keep each other safe, with no hazard pay and not enough workers in place.
The unionization votes are set for later this month.
