Starbucks and Workers United Make Significant Progress in Contract Talks, with Long Road Ahead to Reach Agreements amid Time Constraints

In recent developments, Starbucks and Workers United have made significant progress during contract talks held over two days in Atlanta this week. This marks the first time since February that the company and union have engaged in negotiations following almost a year of stalemate. The topics discussed included processes to resolve grievances as well as details regarding representation for Starbucks’ baristas, among other points. Workers United has been pushing for higher wages and more consistent scheduling amongst various priorities during their campaign against the coffee giant which lasted over two years. Despite this progress, both parties have acknowledged that there is still a long way to go before any collective bargaining agreements are reached as individual stores will need to negotiate and ratify contracts once an overall framework has been established in late May. Labor laws require only good faith negotiations from the employer and union; after one year of unsuccessful talks, workers can petition for decertification which adds a time constraint on these discussions.