The ongoing Starbucks saga has led to frustration for workers at newly unionized stores, but that hasn’t stopped these baristas from inspiring workers to organize in several other industries. Of course, that union contagion also transmits to fellow coffeehouse workers: multiple Collectivo locations have organized, and Peet’s Coffee workers appear to be courting the “next Starbucks” label more than most examples.
This could be an overly optimistic goal from Peet’s Coffee baristas, given that workers at only two locations have petitioned for union votes thus far. Yet with over 300 U.S. locations, the chain is sizable enough that it could be a contender for the dubious Starbucks 2.0 crown. Several Peet’s baristas expressed confidence in widening their budding trend and admitted to seeking advice from Starbucks workers.
Other simmering organizing news mainly hints at conflict to come:
- Apple currently sits in a heap of trouble with the NLRB, which ruled that the tech company coerced and intimidated employees at the Atlanta store that became the first Apple retail location to unionize.
- The first recognized fast food union surfaced when the Burgerville Workers Union formed in 2018. Another Burgerville location could join the union after workers petitioned for a vote in Portland, Oregon. It’s worth noting that the union and company tried to hammer out their first contract for over three years before a deal came together in late 2021 following seven strikes by workers.
- Disney World workers, represented by the Services Trades Council Union, are pushing for a swift path to a $20 per hour wage after receiving $15 per hour minimum wage in 2021. The union argues that the cost of living in Orlando is simply too high and demands an immediate boost to $18 per hour.
