Workers denounce Starbucks over union contract negotiations: ‘They don’t treat us like human beings’

Claims of delays, unfair labor practices and retaliation against workers as the battle for a first union contract stalls

Starbucks corporate board meetings reportedly include two empty chairs to represent employees and customers. It is a sort of gimmick aimed at portraying an inclusive company culture.

But recently workers at unionized Starbucks stores have been posting photos of empty chairs at tables set out for talks on a first union contract. They do so as a way of making a very different point: workers have now made multiple complaints about Starbucks attorneys showing up to bargaining sessions and then leaving before any bargaining could begin.