Starbucks Workers Union

In an article published this past week by the Washington Post, David Segal exposes a "crack in Starbucks' image." Starbucks employee Daniel Gross says, "in my opinion, when it comes to its messages about its employees, this company has the greatest PR machine in the business."

The Starbucks Workers Union, affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World, is made up of Starbucks employees coming together for: increased pay and raises, guaranteed hours with the option of fulltime status, an end to understaffing, as well as a healthier and safer workplace.

Members of the Starbucks Workers Union, in its 2006 Starbucks Corporate Irresponsibility Report, claim that the company unlawfully opposes the organization of unions. The union claims if Starbucks "were socially responsible, it would comply with domestic and international labor and human rights standards, and would reinstate all illegally fired Starbucks Workers Union baristas. Valerie O'Neil believes that the reason the union has not taken off is because Starbucks employees are typically happy with their jobs.

Regardless of whether or not employees are happy, Starbucks has a social responsibilty to be fair to its employees. In treating employees unfairly, Starbucks is at risk at damaging its reputation. Without employees, the company will cease to exist.