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What You Need to Know About
Collective Bargaining

After voting to unionize, Starbucks will negotiate with the unions certified to represent partners through a process called “collective bargaining”.

As we work toward building a bridge to a better future for all partners, we continue to be committed to bargaining in a way that honors and respects the dignity, individuality and privacy of our partners. Each store’s contract will be negotiated separately and ratified accordingly.

For those partners who have chosen to freely associate and bargain collectively, fulfilling our commitment means working earnestly to progress negotiations towards ratified contracts that address the unique needs of each union-represented store. 

Use the lookup tool below to view store-specific bargaining updates. 

Store Bargaining Status

Search by city or store number to find the latest on collective bargaining progress. Information is updated weekly – learn more about the lookup feature.

Store #CityStateDetails
11685BALTIMOREMD
27873BALTIMOREMD

News and Updates

Reaching an Agreement with Workers United for Impacted Partners

Read more about the agreement reached between Starbucks and Workers United on next steps for partners impacted by updates to our coffeehouse portfolio.

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North America Coffeehouse Portfolio Updates

Get more information on closures and next steps to engage with Workers United following a review of Starbucks North America coffeehouse portfolio.

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Our Ongoing Commitment to Fair Bargaining  

Starbucks remains optimistic that, through productive compromise and respectful dialogue, we can finalize a contract that is fair and equitable.  A strong and successful Starbucks is in the interest of every partner.

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Illustrated image of a Starbucks with a sun behind it

An Update on Litigation with Workers United

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How Bargaining Works

Step 1

Union identifies a contact person for the newly certified store and issues a demand to bargain to the employer.

Step 2

The parties confirm the date and location for a first bargaining session (and potentially future bargaining sessions).

Step 3

Company and union bargaining committees meet in person for a series of store-specific bargaining sessions to present and discuss proposals and counterproposals for the certified store.

Step 4

Over a series of bargaining sessions, company and union bargaining committees try in good faith to reach tentative agreements on specific terms and conditions of employment for the certified store and continue that process until a good faith impasse or  agreement is reached on an entire contract.

Step 5

Partners accept or reject a proposed collective bargaining agreement for their store based on procedures set forth in the union’s by-laws and/or constitution.

Once a binding agreement is reached, Starbucks, the union, and all bargaining unit partners in that store, abide by the terms of that contract for the duration of the agreement.

Still Want to Learn More?

Starbucks Bargaining Post