The Florida Education Association (FEA) and several local education unions have issued a resolution expressing support for Starbucks Workers United (SWU) and baristas who are on strike at unionized Starbucks stores across the United States, including in Florida.
According to the FEA, workers at these Starbucks locations have taken part in legal collective actions such as strikes to seek fair wages, safer working conditions, more predictable schedules, and good-faith negotiations with company management. The resolution states that SWU represents over 400 unionized stores nationwide and has reported ongoing unfair labor practices by Starbucks. These include retaliation against union supporters, refusal to bargain, making unilateral changes to working conditions, and withholding benefits from unionized employees.
The National Labor Relations Board has reportedly found merit in charges brought against Starbucks for alleged illegal anti-union activities such as discrimination, surveillance of workers, and failure to negotiate as required by law.
The FEA emphasized its mission of supporting all workers seeking dignity and respect on the job. “The mission of the Florida Education Association (FEA) and its affiliates is grounded in solidarity with all workers who are fighting for dignity, respect, and a meaningful voice on the job, and our own members benefit when the broader labor movement grows stronger,” reads the resolution.
The document also highlights that Starbucks employees in Florida face similar challenges as those in other states. It argues that their efforts are linked to broader worker rights issues across various industries.
In their statement of support, FEA local presidents called for Starbucks to stop anti-union activities immediately. “We call on Starbucks to immediately cease all anti-union activity, reinstate terminated workers, comply with all NLRB rulings, and begin good-faith bargaining with all unionized stores,” they said.
They also encouraged FEA members and community allies to show support for unionized Starbucks stores by amplifying worker voices and participating in solidarity actions where appropriate. The resolution concludes: “We reaffirm the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the fight of Starbucks baristas is a fight for the future of worker rights, fair workplaces, and the health of the American labor movement.”
The FEA represents more than 123,000 teachers and educational staff professionals throughout Florida. The full list of signatory local unions includes organizations from counties across the state.
For further information about SWU’s organizing efforts or updates regarding ongoing labor actions at Starbucks locations nationwide can be found at sbworkersunited.org.
