Baristas and shift supervisors at the Starbucks on Plandome Road in Manhasset, NY, have formally petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a union election. Filed on July 9, the move marks the latest surge in labor organizing at Starbucks locations nationwide, as workers push for better scheduling, staffing, and respect on the job.
The Manhasset Petition
Last week, a group of Starbucks employees at the Manhasset store submitted an NLRB election petition under the banner of Starbucks Workers United (SWU), the independent union founded in Buffalo in 2021. The petition cites chronic understaffing, unpredictable work hours, and declining morale as primary drivers of the organizing effort. If the Manhasset team votes in favor, they would join hundreds of other stores that have sought representation since 2022 .
“I’ve been here a year, and I’ve never felt more supported by my coworkers than I do now,” said Alfred Manuel Cabrera, a shift supervisor involved in the petition. “We’re voting to unionize because of our love for each other and because we know our service is better when properly supported—and lately, that hasn’t been the case.”.
Why Baristas Are Organizing
Across the U.S., Starbucks baristas have cited similar concerns:
- Cut Hours & Inconsistent Scheduling: Many partners report last-minute shift changes and involuntary hour reductions that undermine financial stability.
- Understaffing: Stores struggle to meet customer demand amid persistent labor shortages, leading to burnout.
- Lack of Voice: Employees feel unable to raise workplace issues without fear of retaliation or dismissal.
These themes echo findings from other recent organizing drives, where partners sought living wages, fair scheduling, and equitable treatment.
The National Starbucks Union Wave
Since the first successful union election at a Buffalo, NY, Starbucks in December 2021, over 580 U.S. locations have filed petitions or voted to unionize. That represents more than 11,000 partners across 45 states and the District of Columbia. Key milestones include:
- Spring 2022: First Richmond, VA, stores win elections, triggering regional efforts.
- Late 2023–Early 2024: Over 300 stores participate in coordinated strikes and “sip-ins.”
- 2025 To Date: More than 180 additional locations file petitions, with Manhasset joining this summer push.
SWU has leveraged peer-to-peer organizing, community support, and public pressure to drive momentum—even in the face of legal challenges and high-profile NLRB disputes.
Starbucks’ Official Position
Starbucks leadership has publicly stated that it respects partners’ rights to choose union representation “through a fair and democratic process,” and emphasizes its commitment to ongoing dialogue. While the company generally cooperates with NLRB procedures, individual store campaigns have sometimes seen allegations of unfair labor practices, such as alleged retaliation against pro-union partners.
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Once a petition is filed:
- Investigation & Hearing
The NLRB verifies eligibility—ensuring a sufficient showing of interest (typically signatures from 30% of employees). If valid, it schedules a representation hearing within 30 days. - Campaign Period
Both Starbucks and SWU conduct outreach—distributing literature, holding meetings, and communicating positions on unionization. Federal law prohibits threats or interrogation of employees regarding union activities. - Secret-Ballot Election
Held at the NLRB office (or by mail for some units), all eligible partners vote confidentially. A simple majority decides representation. - Certification & Bargaining
If the union wins, Starbucks must recognize SWU and commence bargaining in “good faith” over wages, hours, and working conditions.
Manhasset partners anticipate an election before late summer, with results likely by early September.
Potential Impact for the Manhasset Store
Should Manhasset baristas unionize, they would gain:
- Collective Bargaining Rights: Formal negotiation over pay, schedules, and benefits.
- Grievance Procedures: A structured process to address workplace disputes and disciplinary actions.
- Protected Representation: Safeguards against unilateral policy changes or retaliatory discipline.
For Starbucks, additional union stores intensify the challenge of managing a patchwork of regional contracts while preserving operational consistency.
Broader Implications for Starbucks and Retail
The growth of Starbucks Workers United signals a wider shift in the retail and service sectors, where post-pandemic labor shortages have empowered frontline workers to demand better conditions. Key implications include:
- Wage Pressure: Union contracts typically yield above-market raises, forcing competitors to adjust pay scales.
- Scheduling Reform: Collective agreements often enshrine advance-notice scheduling and limits on on-call shifts.
- Operational Costs: Higher labor costs may accelerate automation (e.g., mobile order kiosks) and efficiency drives.
Retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are closely watching Starbucks’ experience, as similar organizing efforts have emerged in their own operations.
Voices from the Floor
Many partners view unionization as a path to sustainable, dignified work:
“I love making coffee and connecting with our regulars,” said barista Maria Lopez. “Unionizing isn’t about conflict—it’s about partnership. We want Starbucks to succeed as much as they do, but that must include respect for the people behind the counter.”
Meanwhile, some employees remain undecided, weighing potential benefits against concerns about flexibility and union dues.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to vote in the Manhasset election?
A: All hourly Starbucks employees at the Plandome Road location—baristas, shift supervisors, and support staff—are eligible once the petition is certified by the NLRB.
Q: Can Starbucks shut down the store to prevent unionization?
A: Under U.S. labor law, closing a store in response to union activity may constitute an unfair labor practice. While legal disputes have arisen in select cases, wholesale shutdowns are rare.
Q: What role does SWU support play?
A: Starbucks Workers United provides organizing training, legal guidance, and public-relations support, but day-to-day campaigning is led by store partners themselves.
Q: How long does collective bargaining take?
A: There is no strict timeline; some contracts finalize in a few months, while others require years of negotiation and possible NLRB mediation.
Looking Ahead
The Manhasset petition underscores the enduring momentum of the Starbucks union drive. As this store prepares for its election, both partners and management will navigate a critical period of communication, campaigning, and legal oversight. Victory for union proponents could inspire neighboring Long Island locations and further entrench Starbucks Workers United as a defining voice for service-sector labor in 2025.
Whether the Manhasset baristas succeed, their actions contribute to a broader dialogue about fairness, voice, and sustainability in frontline retail work. For communities, customers, and corporate leaders alike, this petition represents not just a local labor vote, but a landmark moment in the evolution of American workplace relations.
For ongoing coverage of labor organizing and retail sector developments, visit WhatJobs News.
