Today, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and the Mercer County Central Labor Council joined Starbucks workers at the Hopewell location in support of their effort to organize a union.
Workers United is conducting a bona fide organizing campaign, and the election will commence on Friday, April 1.
Union members and allies participated in a “Sit and Sip-In” action to demonstrate solidarity with the workers by ordering drinks under names like “Union Strong,” wearing their union colors, sharing union pins, and leaving pro-union messages on the community bulletin board.
Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, Lawrence Township Councilmember Cathleen Lewis, and Commissioner of Labor Robert Asaro-Angelo joined the action, speaking with the workers and demonstrating their strong support.
New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said, “We are proud to stand in solidarity with the Starbucks employees as they begin their historic election. Time and time again, when workers come together and fight for higher wages and better benefits, they win. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO looks forward to a successful union election, and welcomes the Starbucks employees into our union family. We are one state, one voice, and one labor movement, fighting to make the difference.”
“Starbucks claims to be a progressive company,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan. “Yet company management is fighting this election tooth-and-nail. Workers want more than words, they want a seat at the table when it comes to pay, benefits, and working conditions. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is here to show Starbucks workers that the labor movement has their backs. Union Yes!”
Mercer County CLC President Mike Maloney said, “The Mercer County Central Labor Council is here to show our support for the Starbucks employees fighting for a better deal from their employer. This is a national struggle, with a battleground in our backyards. Together, we can make history by helping to ensure that Starbucks workers can speak with one voice and get the pay, benefits, and respect they deserve.”
Starbucks employees expressed their appreciation for the action, loudly calling out the orders under names like “Union Strong” and “Union Yes” with each order.
Starbucks is engaging in an intense anti-union campaign as it resists a national effort to unionize its stores. Dozens of Starbucks stores nationally have voted to unionize. Three stores in New Jersey, including the Hopewell location, are currently engaged in organizing efforts.