As Starbucks preps to launch its Southeastern corporate office in Nashville, local baristas at the global coffeehouse chain have made one thing clear: “No contract, no Starbucks!”
That was the message displayed on a banner outside the Metro Courthouse Tuesday evening as local Starbucks baristas and members of the Metro Council gathered to demand the company finalize a nationwide union contract for baristas and end union busting.
Baristas cited low wages, understaffing and lack of job protections and urged the company to work with the union baristas to reach a contract agreement.
“While the promises Starbucks is making our community sound good on paper, I need to say this isn't an invitation for Starbucks to take advantage of our residents, pay unlivable wages or interfere with workers' legal rights,” said Curry Comden, who has worked as a shift supervisor at the Green Hills Starbucks located at Hillsboro Pike and Graybar Lane for four years. “Nashville's growth is backed by working people who deserve dignity and respect, including hardworking baristas who make this company possible.”
Councilmembers Sean Parker, Delishia Porterfield, Jeff Preptit and Sandra Sepulveda joined baristas Tuesday to push for a union contract including higher wages, predictable scheduling and adequate staffing. Parker noted that a majority of the council — 21 councilmembers — has signed on to a letter delivered to Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol pushing for a fair contract and better working conditions.
The letter reads:
“We recognize the opening of Starbucks’ Nashville offices is a significant addition to our local economy. We’re thrilled to welcome your employees, the additional jobs, and the increased investment your presence will bring to our community. As we celebrate your company’s commitment to our city, we also share our expectation that you will recognize all Tennesseans’ value, respect working people, and obey local and federal laws.
"We are proud to foster a pro-business climate in our city and state. At the same time, we must be clear that being pro-business or lower-cost than other locations does not mean taking advantage of our citizens, paying unlivable wages, or interfering with workers’ legal right to organize.
"To that end, we have serious serious concerns regarding Starbucks’ longstanding record of federal labor law violations and failure to finalize a strong contract with union baristas."
With the state poised to provide Starbucks a $30 million incentive package, concerns were also raised over whether the company will deliver on its promises of increased jobs and investment. This come as tech giant Oracle relocates its headquarters to Nashville, accepting similar incentives and promising thousands of jobs. However, in March, reports noted the company is expected to cut thousands of positions related to AI expenses.
“Public investment and economic growth should benefit working people too, not just corporate executives,” said Porterfield. “Nashville workers deserve employers that respect their rights and follow the law.”
This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
