Former Starbucks worker fights for justice after illegal firing for union efforts

In December 2024, Starbucks Workers United announced that nearly all of its unionized baristas voted to authorize a strike, as they push for a contract with Starbucks. This decision comes ahead of the last scheduled bargaining session for the year, which is intended to establish a foundational framework for a collective bargaining agreement. Despite hundreds of hours spent on negotiations and the presentation of numerous tentative agreements, the union claims Starbucks has yet to propose a comprehensive plan addressing essential barista concerns such as pay and benefits. Workplace tensions appear to have escalated again as the union prepares for a possible strike, highlighting ongoing challenges between the corporation and its employees. Initially, negotiations showed promise in late February 2024 when both Starbucks and Workers United identified a constructive way forward through mediation. Nonetheless, the union's latest strike authorization underscores a significant regression in relations between the two parties. Starbucks disagrees with the union's assertion of unproductive negotiations and reiterated its commitment to reaching a final agreement. The company emphasized its participation in productive discussions and highlighted several agreements reached across various topics important to the workers. The backdrop of this labor dispute includes various other factors impacting Starbucks employees. Hundreds of unfair labor practice cases remain unresolved, fueling frustrations within the union. Additionally, former Starbucks barista Alendra