Myesha Johnson, The Detroit News
Workers at another Starbucks in Michigan have voted to unionize as they seek better wages and fair scheduling from the national coffee chain.
Starbucks Workers United said in a statement Monday that the Starbucks on Dequindre Road and Universal Drive in Warren marks the 18th store in the state to join the union. The labor group represents 11,000 employees at more than 550 stores who “demand Starbucks finalize strong contracts.”
Olive Gentry, who has worked at the Warren cafe since it opened three years ago, said unionizing was the only way to get better pay and stable scheduling.
“There’s a lot of inconsistencies, so we’re trying to protect ourselves,” Gentry said. “I’m excited for Starbucks to work with us on finalizing other contracts so we can move forward and have all the things that all the baristas before us have been fighting for.”
Starbucks did not immediately return a request for comment.
According to a news release, Starbucks Workers United’s core issues include living wages, respect, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling. Workers at more than 150 stores have joined the union since February 2024 including locations in Maine, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois and Seattle.
Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United are expected to return to bargaining after hundreds of baristas across the country went on strike on Christmas Eve.