Latest news with #WorkersUnited
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New Brunswick Federation of Labour holds 56th convention in Saint John
The 56th New Brunswick Federation of Labour Convention was held at the Delta Hotel in Saint John, N.B., on May 26, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / Avery MacRae) Delegates representing over 40,000 New Brunswick workers in both the public and private sector have travelled to Saint John for the 56th New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) convention. With a theme of 'Workers United for a Beter Tomorrow,' the biannual three-day meetup aims to tackle issues facing workers in the province. The work done at the conference will set the agenda for the NBFL until the next convention in two years. 'One of the things that makes the Federation unique is when you get the different perspectives of the private and public sector,' says NBFL interim president Chris Watson. 'You get different perspectives, but we all really come together for a common goal and that's to address workers issues and push forward labor as a united front.' Over 20 resolutions will be debated and voted upon by the end of the convention. Some of the top issues being discussed include the pending potential Canada Post strike, the impact of a recently elected Liberal government in New Brunswick, and the ripple effects of the on-going trade war with the U.S. When it comes to tariff talk, Watson says the conversation is centred around breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. He wants to ensure it is done in a way that protects the health and safety of workers. 'Worker safety is ultimately number one,' Watson says. 'And when we're talking about this sort of stuff, we need to make sure that we're not in a race to get these sorts of deals done.' He hopes delegates leave the convention with a feeling of hope, which is reflected in the convention's theme. The NBFL includes 16 affiliated unions, 282 locals, and six district labour councils. It is the largest central labour body in the province. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Fast Company
17-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The real reason Starbucks baristas are so angry about its new dress code
On Monday, Starbucks rolled out a new dress code as part of its larger corporate overhaul. But union workers say the change is both restrictive and unproductive—and now, baristas are walking out. The dress code comes as new CEO Brian Niccol is on a mission to bring the brand ' back to basics,' including by scaling back its menu, returning hand-written notes on cups, and introducing ceramic mugs in stores. Employees are now required to wear a more simplified palette of solid black tops along with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms under the company's signature-green apron. However, in an email to supporters, Starbucks Workers United—the union representing Starbucks baristas—called the dress code 'restrictive,' adding that it was implemented 'without input from the baristas it affects.' The union has been bargaining to reach a contract with Starbucks for over three years, with no end in sight. It says that the new dress code represents 'bad faith bargaining,' alleging that the code undermines a tentative agreement about attire made at the bargaining table. A spokesperson from Workers United told Fast Company that, as of Wednesday evening, walkouts have occurred at more than 100 Starbucks locations and included more than 1,200 baristas. The strikes come in the wake of a lackluster financial report for Starbucks's second quarter of 2025, during which revenue dipped below expectations, U.S. comparable store sales declined 2%, and U.S. comparable transactions were down 4%—leaving some analysts wondering just how well Niccol's 'back to basics' plan is actually working. Union workers are frustrated with the new dress code According to a series of videos posted by Workers United, baristas are frustrated with the new dress code for a number of reasons. In one clip posted to Bluesky, a group of workers at a store in Dallas claim they were told their black sneakers were no longer acceptable under the dress code, and that they would have to buy new shoes before returning to work. The Workers United spokesperson explained that, in the past, waterproof shoes have always been a requirement. On Monday, though, several workers (including those in the aforementioned video) claim they were told their waterproof shoes couldn't have any mesh fabric, despite the fact that such a stipulation was not included in the new dress code. The spokesperson also alleged that employees have been sent home for small details like the color of their blue jeans or the number of visible piercings. 'Managers are told that they have to enforce all these things; otherwise their own jobs are in jeopardy,' the spokesperson said. 'It's creating a lot of frustration and confusion, and making baristas feel like this really isn't about what they're wearing; it's just about control.' In another video of workers announcing their reasons for walking out, one barista shared: 'Now we have to purchase new shirts and shoes to be compliant with the new policy. Why doesn't Starbucks do the right thing and provide a stipend for these newly required items?' Starbucks announced its dress code change on April 14. At the time, the company said it was also launching a line of company-branded T-shirts, adding that employees could receive two of these shirts at no cost. However, the Workers United spokesperson said they'd received several reports of the free shirts not being ready for baristas on Monday. Starbucks, on the other hand, claimed that, of the 18 styles available, only three were temporarily unavailable in a few sizes this week. In response to the recent walkouts, a Starbucks spokesperson said: 'The biggest update to our dress code is simple: wear a black shirt—either your own or one we provide. While Workers United, which represents less than 5% of our workforce, attempted to create disruption in a handful of stores, the overwhelming majority of our 10,000 U.S. company-operated stores remain open and are serving customers as normal. ' The spokesperson noted that there haven't been any changes to the shoes baristas can wear, other than the heel height, adding that footwear can be black, grey, navy, brown, tan, or white. However, they did not comment on baristas' complaints about the inconsistent application of the dress code. The spokesperson added that it would be 'more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table to finalize a reasonable contract. ' A broader issue Strikes due to the dress code are just the latest chapter in an ongoing battle between Workers United and Starbucks—and union members say their concerns go far beyond what they're supposed to wear. Over the past three and a half years, Workers United has been in a continuous bargaining process with Starbucks management, seeking a contract that includes higher wages, guaranteed hours, and better staffing in stores. Members reported that negotiations between the union and the company broke down in late February, which has led union members to increasingly engage in acts of civil disobedience, like sip-ins, walkouts, and picket lines. In the past, both the union and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have argued that Starbucks hasn't been bargaining in good faith. In December, Workers United filed an updated unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB outlining their concerns around the drawn-out bargaining process. And, recently, the union filed a new amendment with the NLRB alleging failure to bargain over the dress code. The amendment calls the dress code an example of 'bad faith bargaining' for 'unilaterally implementing a new dress code policy . . . that materially differed from both the status quo and what the parties had tentatively agreed to at the bargaining table.' A Starbucks spokesperson said they would 'make sure any differences between our negotiations and store implementations are addressed lawfully and fairly.' Jasmine Leli is a barista from Buffalo, New York, who's worked at Starbucks for three years. She's also one of the union bargaining delegates who ran the dress code working group that led to a tentative agreement about a future dress code. The union's proposed dress code, she says, included protections like allowing workers to wear union T-shirts to work and to keep their visible piercings. Leli calls the new dress code a 'distraction from fixing the real issues that we have in our stores.' 'As partners, we don't have guaranteed hours,' Leli says. 'We don't have enough people at work during the middle of the day and at night. I'm not getting all of the hours that I need. I'm not making a fair wage—I got a 30 cent raise—and now I'm being asked to go out and purchase a completely new wardrobe, including shoes, and our contract hasn't been finalized.' Ultimately, Leli says, Starbucks should be working to finish the contract and solve its staffing issue—not implementing a new dress code. Customers care more about the wait time for their latte than the shirt their barista is wearing, she adds. 'We're more than mad because the changes that the company is making don't address the issues that we're facing in the stores,' Leli says. 'Starbucks is iconic for their green apron. Customers know they're walking into a Starbucks. It's not a mystery. And with my regulars, I know their drink, and they know me, whether I'm in a purple shirt or a black shirt.'
New York Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Starbucks Baristas Stage Walkouts Over Dress Code Change
Starbucks workers have staged walkouts this week at dozens of coffee shops in the United States to protest a policy change in their dress code that their union says should have been made through collective bargaining. Since May 11, more than 2,000 baristas at more than 100 stores, including in Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania, have walked out 'to protest the company's failure to prioritize real support for baristas,' the union said on Friday. The protests were in response to an announcement by Starbucks in April that starting on May 12, baristas would be required to wear solid black crew-neck, collared or button-down shirts with khaki, black or blue denim 'bottoms,' referring to pants, shorts or skirts under their aprons. The company said the 'more simplified color options' would allow the traditional green aprons worn by baristas to 'shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America.' But Workers United, which represents baristas at 570 of the more than 10,000 stores in the United States, said the policy change without bargaining was 'regressive.' 'Instead of fixing problems customers actually care about, like long wait times & high prices, Starbucks would rather focus on the colors workers wear,' the union said on social media this week. The workers who participate in walkouts leave for the remainder of the shift but come back to work for their next scheduled shift, it said. The union said many workers had already purchased approved clothing from Starbucks that they were no longer allowed to wear on duty. Starbucks said it would provide two shirts to employees if needed. Starbucks said in a statement that the disruption had been minimal over the past four days. 'It would be more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table to finalize a reasonable contract,' it said. Starbucks and the union had temporarily agreed to collective bargaining over dress code changes as part of ongoing negotiations for a new contract. In December, a bargaining session with the company failed to produce better wage gains. The union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Starbucks of engaging in bad faith bargaining. After Starbucks announced in April that it was changing the dress code, the union updated that complaint, saying the company had undermined it by 'improperly moving the goal posts for collective bargaining.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks Workers Go on Strike to Protest New Dress Code
More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas from 75 locations in the U.S. have initiated a strike on Sunday in response to a new dress code implemented by the company, a union representing the coffee giant's employees reported on Wednesday. As of Monday, the company has simplified its dress code to highlight its signature green apron. According to the coffee chain's updated policy, baristas can wear any black shirt, whether short- or long-sleeved, collared or button-up, paired with khaki, black or blue denim pants. Starbucks previously said it would provide two branded T-shirts for staff members at no cost. More from WWD East Coast Port Strike Suspended as ILA, USMX Agree on Wages; Retailers Rejoice East and Gulf Coast Ports Strike as ILA, USMX Fail to Reach New Deal Dunhill Celebrates 130 Years With a Very English Dinner Party The new dress code affects employees at company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada. In April, Starbucks Workers United sent a letter to the Seattle-based coffee maker as 'a formal request that no change to the current dress code be implemented at Union-represented stores until the parties conclude bargaining.' On Wednesday, Starbucks said that the strike was affecting its 10,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. to a limited extent. Phil Gee, a Starbucks spokesperson said, 'Thousands of Starbucks partners (employees) came to work today ready to serve their customers and communities. The biggest update to our dress code is simple: wear a black shirt — either your own or one we provide. Workers United represents less than 5 percent of our workforce [– 570 of 10,000-plus stores.]' The spokesperson said, 'While the union is focused on a simplified dress code, we're focused on providing the best job in retail with a wage and benefits package that averages more than $30 per hour for hourly partners. It would be more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table to finalize a reasonable contract.' Less than 1 percent of Starbucks stores have experienced any disruption over the last 4 days cumulatively, according to the company. Starbucks and Workers United are said to have held more than nine bargaining sessions over 20 days and three mediation sessions over five days with a federal mediator since last April. Starbucks has reached 30-plus 'meaningful agreements about hundreds of topics' that Workers United delegates told the company were important to them, according to the spokesman. According to AP, Starbucks Workers United said it filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. Best of WWD The Strategic Rise of Models at the Cannes Film Festival: Glamour, Fashion Brands and Media Millions Cannes Film Festival's Sheer Dresses on the Red Carpet Through the Years: Sophia Loren, Bella Hadid & More [PHOTOS] Celebrities Wearing Zara: From Melania Trump's Controversial Coat to Kate Middleton's Blazer Collection [PHOTOS]
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks Baristas Strike Over Dress Code, Signal More Walkouts
(Bloomberg) -- Hundreds of Starbucks Corp. employees have walked off the job since Sunday to protest the company's new dress code, according to the union representing baristas, with more strikes likely in the coming days. As Coastline Erodes, One California City Considers 'Retreat Now' A New Central Park Amenity, Tailored to Its East Harlem Neighbors What's Behind the Rise in Serious Injuries on New York City's Streets? Lawsuit Challenges Trump Administration Policy on Migrant Children The walkouts have occurred at more than 50 US stores, Starbucks Workers United said. The union represents baristas at about 570 of the chain's more than 10,000 company-operated locations in the US. Starbucks said that there's been no significant impact to store operations on a national level and most stores are open and serving customers as usual. The coffee chain on Monday implemented a new dress code that requires baristas to wear solid black tops, a change from prior practice that allowed any color. There are also new rules on the bottoms baristas can wear, among other changes. Workers United filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board alleging that Starbucks' dress-code changes during contract talks violate the law and show the company wasn't negotiating fairly. The dress code also 'materially differed' from a tentative agreement the two parties had reached during negotiations, according to a copy of the complaint. Starbucks said it would continue to bargain and ensure that differences between what's agreed to in negotiations and what's implemented in stores are addressed 'lawfully and fairly.' Baristas argue that the dress code won't improve operations or make their jobs easier, union delegate Michelle Eisen said in a statement from Workers United. Starbucks is trying to reverse five straight quarters of same-store sales declines. 'This policy change puts the burden on baristas, many of whom are already struggling to get by, to buy new clothes or risk being disciplined,' Eisen said. The company has said it would provide two Starbucks-branded shirts free of charge but couldn't guarantee they would arrive by May 12, when the new dress code went into effect. In a statement, Starbucks said that 'thousands' of workers showed up to work ready to serve customers, adding that the biggest update to dress code is 'simple: wear a black shirt — either your own or one we provide.' 'While Workers United, which represents less than 5% of our workforce, attempted to create disruption in a handful of stores, we're focused on providing the best job in retail with a wage and benefits package that averages more than $30 per hour for hourly partners,' Starbucks said in a statement. It called on the union to return to negotiations in order 'to finalize a reasonable contract.' About 500 baristas representing Starbucks' unionized US stores voted in late April to reject the company's latest contract proposal over the issue of pay. Starbucks said at the time that the union presented delegates with 'an incomplete framework' to vote on, 'effectively undermining our collective progress.' The two sides have been meeting over the past year to try to come up with a template for collective bargaining agreements at the locations that Workers United has organized since 2021. --With assistance from Josh Eidelson. Cartoon Network's Last Gasp Trump Has Already Ruined Christmas The Recession Chatter Is Getting Louder. Watch These Metrics US Border Towns Are Being Ravaged by Canada's Furious Boycott Why Obesity Drugs Are Getting Cheaper — and Also More Expensive ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
