The SWU has improved life on the job through direct pressure against the company on the job and in the community. It’s really quite simple actually. The SWU is a group of baristas, bussers, and shift supervisors who have come together with other workers and community members to improve the wage and working conditions at Starbucks and lay the foundation for a more just world. The SWU is our organization- we make the decisions; we formulate our demands; we take action in solidarity with other workers to win!
In New York City, SWU members have won important victories:
Four city-wide wage increases from $7.75 to $8.75 per hour and $9.63 for many workers after six months on the job
More consistent scheduling of hours
The right to proudly wear union pins
Significantly reducing unsafe rat and insect infestation in stores
Safety improvement in the area of repetitive strain injuries
The SWU next expanded to Chicago and the baristas there have won important victories:
A city-wide wage increase from $7.50 to $7.80 per hour and $8.58 for many workers after six months on the job
More work hours and more secure scheduling
Health and safety improvements
In addition to the systemic improvements, the SWU remedies individual grievances members have with management. Here is a just a few of the victories won by the worker-driven Grievance Committee:
Won almost $500 in pay for a member who Starbucks paid improperly
Successfully assisted workers who weren’t getting enough sleep at night because management scheduled them for the closing shift and then the opening shift the next day
Collected lost wages with a worker who was discriminated against because of her religion
Everyone is welcome to join with us to make work better. Take a stand now!