Part 5/9:
Amidst these operational challenges, a wave of unionization swept through Starbucks locations, begun initially in Buffalo, New York. Staff members sought to improve working conditions and compensation amid mounting pressures. The perception of Starbucks as a favorable employer was challenged as employees reported short staffing and growing workloads.
Gio Garza, a barista from the Chicagoland area, shared his experience regarding the struggles faced by their unionized store. With inadequacies in staffing and workloads, the pressure on employees has hindered their ability to foster a connection with customers—an integral part of the Starbucks ethos. The union movement sought to empower workers in navigating the precarious environment surrounding the coffee chain.