Schultz returns as Starbucks CEO as it seeks to shed its union-busting image


Former Starbucks boss Howard Schultz in Seattle in January 2019

FORMER Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz is set to return to the company for a third time, it was announced on Wednesday, amid reports of anti-union tactics by the coffee-chain giant.

Mr Schultz takes over the reins as the beleaguered firm seeks to improve its image, which has been damaged over claims of union busting and bullying of staff.

Starbucks told investors it aimed to “improve relations” with its workers and open 20,000 stores by the end of the decade.

Earlier this week the National Labour Relations Board accused Starbucks of retaliating against two workers who attempted to unionise their store in Phoenix, Arizona.

The watchdog heard allegations that the company breached US labour law by issuing threats and changing conditions of employment for those engaged in “concerted activity.”

Laila Dalton and Alyssa Sanchez were part of the so-called Starbucks revolution, which has seen unionisation drives sweep stores across the country.

In December the Elmwood store in Buffalo, New York, became the first store in the company’s 50-year history to win union recognition after a vote ratified by the board.

Starbucks Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, has brought charges on behalf of many Starbucks staff who have faced bullying and intimidatory tactics by the firm in a bid to block union recognition.

Starbucks bosses are accused of suspending Ms Dalton on spurious charges and changing her shifts after she complained about staffing levels and treatment of workers.

According to the board, the two Phoenix workers were disciplined for assisting the union, with Starbucks aiming to prevent workers from engaging in lawful activities.

Union spokesman Bill Whitmire demanded a public apology for all those “discriminated against, lied to, harassed, bullied, and retaliated against” for trying to unionise their stores.

“Laila and Alyssa were traumatised and their hope is that no other ‘partner’ — that is to say worker — ever has to go through what they have gone through,” he said.

Company spokesman Reggie Borges denied the pair had been targeted for their trade union activities.

“A partner’s interest in a union does not exempt them from the standards we have always held,” he said.

“We will continue enforcing our policies consistently for all partners and we will follow the board’s process to resolve this complaint.”

If the case filed by the board is successful, Starbucks could be forced to put up notices in its stores advising workers of their right to unionise. The hearing is set for June 14.

MORNINGSTAR