Starbucks is among the largest coffee chains in the world, with more than 30,000 stores and 350,000 workers globally. Recently, some of its employees have launched campaigns to form unions and push for better benefits, working conditions, and wages. The company has been accused of anti-union tactics, such as firing organizers, closing stores, and intimidating workers. 

Supporters of unionization argue that it is a fundamental right of workers to have a voice and a fair share of the profits. The Starbucks unionization movement exists because they believe that it will result in better treatment and more respect. They want to have an opportunity to air their views in the workplace and to have a chance to express their opinions and concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation. Overall, they believe unionizing is a good method to grant employees collective bargaining power and a voice to negotiate better treatment from their employer.

Opponents of unionization claim that it would harm the company’s culture, innovation, and customer service.  Starbucks has a unique culture of empowerment and partnership that they believe would be hindered if a third party union enters the equation. The coffee industry is also competitive, so it will hinder the company’s need to be flexible and make competitive business decisions that are best for the long term health of the company. If the company struggles, then employees will be impacted the most.

The question for debate, should Starbucks workers unionize?