Larson Urges Fair Contract for Starbucks Baristas, Stands with Workers During Strike

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement in support of the Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union strike. As part of an ongoing nationwide strike, workers at the Corbin’s Corner Starbucks in West Hartford and Berkshire Center Starbucks in Danbury officially began their strike this morning. 

“Starbucks workers across the country continue to fight playbook union-busting tactics from management,” said Larson. “While there had been some progress over the last year toward a fair contract, Starbucks management has moved in a different direction – closing stores and conducting mass layoffs, even as they bring in billions in profits. It should not be this hard for anyone to have their voice heard by their employer. I stand with striking Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union members in West Hartford and baristas nationwide fighting for the pay and benefits they deserve.” 

Ahead of the Starbucks Workers Union strike, Larson and a group of his colleagues wrote Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol last month, urging him to respect his workers’ constitutional right to organize and bargain in good faith for a fair contract. 

“We are writing to express concern regarding Starbucks’ failure to reach a fair first contract with its baristas. Disturbingly, we have heard that the company has returned to union busting, which has impeded the ability of Starbucks workers—many of whom are our constituents—to exercise their statutory and constitutional right to organize,” the lawmakers wrote. “Accordingly, we want to know how Starbucks, in accordance with the law, will reverse course from its current posture, resolve its existing labor disputes, and bargain a fair contract in good faith with these employees.”  

Their full letter is available HERE.