New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Promises to Work Closely with Union as Contract Talks Progress

Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, has spoken out about the company’s ongoing talks with the Workers United union. In a letter on September 24, Niccol said he respects employees’ right to form a union and is committed to working well with union representatives. This comes as Starbucks continues to negotiate contracts with the union.

This week marks the first contract discussion under Niccol’s leadership, which began last month. His comments were in response to a letter from 298 Starbucks baristas who represent the union in these talks. Niccol said the company is focused on creating a positive workplace and is open to working with unionised employees in “good faith.”

The talks between Starbucks and the Workers United union began in April, aiming to agree on a collective bargaining framework for over 10,500 workers at more than 490 Starbucks stores. This follows a US Supreme Court decision in June, which overturned an earlier ruling that ordered Starbucks to rehire seven Memphis workers who were fired while trying to unionise.

As negotiations move forward, many are watching to see how Niccol’s leadership will impact the company’s relationship with its unionised workers.