Lincoln Starbucks store employees file to unionize

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Employees at a Lincoln Starbucks are applying to unionize.

Workers at the Kensington Drive location near North 27th Street announced that they filed for union election.

The workers sent a letter to Starbucks’ CEO announcing the organization efforts.

They cited inconsistent scheduling, understaffing, and faulty and defective equipment as reasons for the move. 

“A true relationship between Partners and Starbucks would create an environment where we all work towards making the company a more safe, affirming, and profitable place to work,” the employees said in a letter. “We have input on how to improve the customer’s experience, how to level up efficiency and quality, and ideas on how to build a healthier work environment. Since Starbucks values profits over people, we are now taking things into our own hands.”

In a statement, a Starbucks spokesperson said the company offers the best benefits in the industry, pointing to a wage floor of $15 an hour for U.S. employees.

The company also responded to the Lincoln employees’ scheduling complaints.

“Partner work schedules are published on a regular, rolling basis three-weeks in advance and are built based on recorded partner availability and the unique operational needs of each store,” the statement said.

More than 330 Starbucks stores in 38 states have already unionized, though the company said noted that represents a small fraction of its stores.

“We believe that a direct relationship with our partners — where we have the flexibility to share success, as we always have — is the right path forward for our company, our partners and our customers.