Vermont Business Magazine On June 15, Starbucks workers at the Essex Junction location announced their union organizing campaign. If successful, they will be the second Starbucks store in the state of Vermont to unionize. The first Starbucks store in the state to organize a union was the Shelburne Road location in July of 2022.
Workers are looking to join 10,000+ Starbucks workers at 400+ unionized stores across the country at the bargaining table.
Quotes from Essex Junction Starbucks workers:
Gabbi Berthiaume (she/her), Barista, 1 year partner:
“Across the board we love working for Starbucks and feel dedicated to our loyal regulars, many of whom we see every day. In unionizing we seek to improve our store for customers and partners alike. The aim is to make it a more sustainable work environment in terms of things like pay, benefits, and burnout so that those of us who love the job can continue to do it long-term and better serve the community. We are excited to become part of the larger Vermont labor movement and are eagerly awaiting the next steps.”
Kaleb Wright, (he/they), Shift Supervisor, 4 year partner:
“Our choice to organize reflects our commitment to supporting our fellow Starbucks partners, customers and greater Vermont community. Organizing with Starbucks Workers United allows us to have a voice in creating a customer experience tailored to our local community. To our beloved customers, we hear your frustrations and we want to make your experience better. Our campaign will seek to improve labor hour distributions, partner wages, and miscellaneous employment benefits that balance the expectations of partners and prepare us to show up ready to serve you.”
Katayoun Lam (she/her), Shift Supervisor, 5.5 years partner:
“People often see the act of unionizing as being the reaction to a job that we hate, but I see it the opposite way. The partners at our store don’t want to unionize because we hate Starbucks and want to stand against them, but instead because we enjoy working here and see the potential to make it an even better place to work. I’ve seen many of my coworkers struggle to survive on the pay we get, not get the number of hours they want, and struggle to keep up with the flood of customers on reduced labor hours. The intention in this unionization effort is to work with the company to improve working conditions to ensure that everyone can continue to work at our store and survive with their basic needs met.”
Caroline Rose (she/her,) Barista, almost 1 year partner
“After working at the Essex Starbucks to then going to Shelburne Rd to cover; the first Starbucks to unionize; I saw the evolution of Starbucks working with the Union and saw firsthand how it engages the customers and excites them to have a union. I saw Starbucks work much more efficiently with them as a union as time passed. The main reason the customers wanted a union for us is so we can continue to better serve them, as having better benefits to the job allows employees to stay longer and truly engage with customers and their job. We are excited about joining Vermont in this progress and hope it only adds positives to everyone.”
Sacha Yanulavich (he/they), Shift Supervisor, 2.5 year partner
“Unionizing gives us the tools to negotiate for what we need, such as increased wages and labor hours, to maintain a sustainable work environment for our partners. We love being a part of our community, and it is our hope that unionizing will keep working at Starbucks a viable career option and a place of opportunity for growth, so that we can continue to provide a friendly, welcoming third place for Essex.”
Shanem Bellorin (she/her), Barista, 1 year partner
“Unionizing embodies our commitment to forging a workplace where fairness, respect, and equal opportunities prevail for every partner at Starbucks. It signifies our collective resolve to empower each member of our team with a robust voice in shaping decisions that directly impact our daily work experiences.
Whether negotiating for equitable wages that reflect our dedication, advocating for safer and more supportive working conditions, or securing protections against arbitrary dismissals, unionization is about creating a workplace where everyone's contributions are recognized and valued. Together, we are cultivating a community where each partner not only thrives professionally but also feels empowered to contribute meaningfully to our store's growth and success.
Through unity and collaboration, we strive to foster an environment where every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every partner can build a brighter future. We believe Starbucks is already a great place to work, and our decision to unionize isn't a reflection of dissatisfaction. On the contrary, we're committed to making it even better for all our partners and customers.”
Source: 6.19.2024. Workers United, Rochester Regional Joint Board
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