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 locations in the country to unionize"; and
WHEREAS, on October 29, 2021, CNBC reported that the National Labor Relations Board ruled in favor of Starbucks Workers United, when Starbucks attempted to prohibit individual stores from holding unionization votes; and
WHEREAS, on November 21, 2021, Bloomberg reported that "Pro-union employees have alleged that in recent weeks Starbucks deployed out-of-town managers to visit their stores and try to dissuade them from unionizing. The employees said they were pressured to attend meetings in which company representatives warned that organizing could lead to the loss of some benefits"; and
WHEREAS the City of Chicago, following the law in the State of Illinois, is committed to remaining neutral in the event of an organizing drive amongst its employees and to
recognizing the union of its employees' choice, as expressed by a simple majority signing a union card; and
WHEREAS this card check neutrality means that these employees have a legally protected right to discuss unionization free from threats, intimidation, anti-union propaganda, anti-union meetings and lawsuits; and
WHEREAS workers at a growing number of Chicago Starbucks Coffee stores have reported that they are attempting to organize into the union Starbucks Workers United, and have requested support from elected officials to demand Starbucks "let the workers freely decide without any interference, threats or intimidation"; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO THAT:
Section 1. The Chicago City Council supports Starbucks workers who are organizing to form a union in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The Chicago City Council believes that this unionization drive will benefit not only Starbucks workers, but all workers in Chicago.
Section 2. The Chicago City Council, noting that the City of Chicago practices union-friendly policies in employment matters, urges Starbucks to do the same and accept card check neutrality and allow their workforce to discuss unionization free from threats, intimidation, anti-union propaganda, and lawsuits. If Starbucks workers in Chicago unionize, the Chicago City Council urges Starbucks to bargain a fair contract such that the workers can have good standards of living and the company's overwhelming wealth does not flow just to the top executives and shareholders.
Susan Sadlowski Garza Alderwoman, 10th Ward
Anna M. Valencia Clerk
Section 3. The Chicago City Council recommends all workers in Chicago organize into unions to collectively fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
