Corporates all over the world follow the famous philosophy, “Wring your workers & battle your unions.” But the historic victory attained by this single Starbucks café in Buffalo, New York symbolizes the power that labor unions still hold even in developed economies. Although this would be the first union for baristas amongst the 8900 (or more) company-owned Starbucks cafes across the US, this single win in Buffalo is significant and bound to create a snowball effect. Union elections were underway in two other cafes in Buffalo. While one of the cafes voted against a union the other is waiting eagerly for the results (delayed amid the controversy of challenged ballots). Two Boston cafes on Monday have filed for union elections. So, the Buffalo café win is surely inspiring workers to petition for unions.

A VALID DEMAND

The Covid pandemic rendered us all completely vulnerable to a lot of things. These workers toiled hard during that time putting their own lives in danger. Despite the hard work they’re underappreciated and paid meager wages. Most unions are formed to augment the working conditions and wages. The Starbucks workers proposing under Workers United Union are also looking for these very improvements especially for those employees who’ve devoted many years to the organization.

CEO’S statement

Stories that the company tried to intimidate the workers have been going around (which the former completely denies). The Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson stated that the union will make way for less agility in responding to its workforce. Also could cause disruptions in regards to the relationship with their partners who according to him have served well during the course of the pandemic. He also said that the company is already addressing their demands of wage and staff increment.

Traditionally unacceptable?

Countries have in the past have tried to aggressively regulate unionization provided they are not able to completely obstruct them. Although, Joe Biden is actually often regarded as a pro-unionist president. Increased competition and labor mobility occlude unions. But fortunately, there has been a slight dip in the labor market (labor shortage) which works in the favour of unionization. Labor is an important factor of production and Labor unions have a profound impact not only on the industrial but also on the political environment of the country. Certainly, this is a rising tide for the labor movement as many sectors are pushing towards unionization, looking for expanded benefits.