Starbucks To Bargain With Delegates From Its 400 Unionized Stores

Starbucks has agreed to sit down with workers from its 400 unionized stores in late April and start hammering out principles for a labor accord, another sign the coffee chain and the union may be on the cusp of a new, productive relationship.

Both sides said the bargaining sessions were meant to create a framework for collective bargaining agreements at the stores represented by the union, Workers United. Although a location has not yet been set, the talks will include delegates for the union stores meeting in person with company.

In a statement to HuffPost, Starbucks called it “a further demonstration of our joint commitment to a positive working relationship.”

“We remain committed to charting a new path forward with Starbucks and are making progress on bargaining details,” the union said in a statement.

Until now there have been no broad, nationwide negotiations between Starbucks and Workers United on settling contracts for the 10,000 employees who’ve unionized. The limited bargaining that’s taken place pertained to certain individual shops scattered around the country, making progress on a national accord all but impossible.

Getting representatives from Starbucks and the union stores together in one location would be a major step forward, although much bargaining remains before the two sides can reach first contracts. Workers United noted that any agreements that come out of the talks would still be subject to ratification by the individual stores.

The union has a list of bargaining demands that includes base pay of $20 per hour, expanded paid time off, guarantees for consistent scheduling and a fair process for organizing stores.

If the union manages to secure strong contracts with the company, it could