Workers at Rochester Apache Mall Starbucks seek to unionize

Workers at a Rochester Starbucks are joining the wave of baristas across the country seeking union recognition from the company.

In a vote this month, an “overwhelming majority” of workers at the 12th Street Apache Mall location signed union authorization cards, according to Workers United, an affiliate of Service Employees International Union.

In doing so, the employees became the latest in a surge of union organization at Starbucks locations across the country. Already, workers have won elections at more than 100 stores, including three in Minnesota (one each in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and St. Anthony).

The labor efforts represent a major shakeup for the Seattle-based coffee company, which up until last year did not have union membership at any of its roughly 9,000 corporate-owned stores in the U.S.

Jacey Goodwin, a 19-year-old barista at the Apache Mall Starbucks, said she and her coworkers were inspired to take action after watching workers in other cities vote for union membership.

While the baristas have not received any communication from corporate regarding their vote, Goodwin said workers have started discussing the type of changes they would like to see within the workplace.

"We wanted a voice that would make an actual change, not only within our store but in the company as a whole,” said Goodwin.

Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz has been outspoken about his objection to the unionization efforts, and referred to the recent union drive as a "new outside force trying desperately to disrupt our company."

Schultz has also suggested that he believes the source of the workers’ grievances may have less to do with the company, and more to do with other global events that have impacted workers, including the recent pandemic.

In May, Starbucks announced employees would be getting a 3 percent raise or $15 an hour, whichever is higher, beginning on August 1. The company also will provide new benefits for workers, including expanded training and improved sick leave — but only for workers who have not joined a union.

"These young people have completely valid concerns given today's uncertainty and economic instability," Schultz said in May, according to media reports. "They look around, and they see the burgeoning labor movement as a possible remedy to what they are feeling."

Goodwin, who has been with the company for nearly two years, acknowledged that Starbucks does provide some good benefits. However, she believes there is still room for positive change within the company — and that it is time for workers to be a part of shaping those decisions.

"I know that a lot of us have spoken out about that change and nothing is seeming to be done, and we are, you know, kind of over it,” said Goodwin. “We want the company to change for the better."

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.