Record #: R2022-142   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 3/23/2022 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 3/23/2022
Title: Expression of support for Starbucks' workers unionization efforts
Sponsors: Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Valencia, Anna M., La Spata, Daniel , Hopkins, Brian , Dowell, Pat, King, Sophia D., Hairston, Leslie A., Sawyer, Roderick T., Harris, Michelle A., Beale, Anthony, Cardenas, George A., Quinn, Marty, Burke, Edward M., Lopez, Raymond A., Coleman, Stephanie D. , Moore, David H., Curtis, Derrick G., O'Shea, Matthew J., Taylor, Jeanette B. , Brookins, Jr., Howard, Rodriguez, Michael D., Tabares, Silvana, Scott, Jr. Michael, Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Maldonado, Roberto, Burnett, Jr., Walter, Taliaferro, Chris, Reboyras, Ariel, Cardona, Jr., Felix , Waguespack, Scott, Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana , Austin, Carrie M., Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Villegas, Gilbert, Mitts, Emma, Sposato, Nicholas, Nugent, Samantha , Vasquez, Jr., Andre, Napolitano, Anthony V., Smith, Michele, Gardiner, James M. , Cappleman, James, Martin, Matthew J. , Osterman, Harry, Hadden, Maria E. , Silverstein, Debra L.
Topic: CITY COUNCIL - Miscellaneous
Attachments: 1. R2022-142.pdf




Type: Title:

Committee(s) Assignment:
Martin (47) Osterman (48) Hadden (49) Silverstein (50) Resolution
Expression of support for Starbucks' workers unionization efforts
RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, union representation has important benefits for workers, particularly for workers of color, including better pay, benefits, working conditions, and job security. The Union Members - 2020 report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on January 22, 2021, found that in 2020 "[non]union workers had median weekly earnings that were 84 percent of earnings for workers who were union members"; and

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2021, Bloomberg reported that U.S. corporations are amassing record profits, explaining that "third-quarter after-tax corporate profits from current production amounted to 11% of gross domestic product," "more profits in the three months ended in September than ever before. Not just in dollar terms—something that happens frequently—but as a share of the economy"; and

WHEREAS, on October 28, 2021, Starbucks issued a press release claiming, "Record Q4 and Full Year Fiscal 2021 Results," and "Consolidated net revenues of $29.1 billion increased 24% (21% on a 52-week basis) from the prior year"; and

WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, Gallup reported 68% of adults in the U.S. support labor unions, the highest approval rate since 1965, and 77% of young adults (18-34 year olds) support unions; and

WHEREAS, in December 2021, workers employed at two Starbucks locations in Buffalo, NY, successfully voted to unionize into Starbucks Workers United, a Workers United affiliate, and are currently fighting for a first contract; and

WHEREAS, Starbucks executives are notorious for opposing the unionization of their workforce, employing tactics that workers have described as "union busting"; and

WHEREAS, On October 13, 2021, W1VB, the CBS affiliate in Buffalo, NY, reported that Starbucks "closed two of its Buffalo-area stores that are attempting to become the first locati...

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