FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2022

ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE

Alaska House Labor and Commerce Chairs rally counterparts across the nation in support of Starbucks Workers United

JUNEAU – 29 Labor Committee Chairs representing 17 states and the District of Columbia submitted a letter yesterday to Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, in support of Starbucks Workers United. Organized by the Alaska House Labor and Commerce Committee Co-Chairs Representative Ivy Spohnholz and Representative Zack Fields, the letter advocates for Starbucks to allow their employees the free choice in joining a union without retaliation.

“The diversity of signatures from legislative leaders across the nation expresses the urgency in Starbucks Workers United fight for fair wages, benefits, and better working conditions,” said Rep. Zack Fields (D-Anchorage). “We urge Kevin Johnson to join Starbucks Workers United at the table and enable their employees to become true partners.”

“Unions are the backbone of our workforce,” said Rep. Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage). “Starbucks frontline workers have a right to organize and advocate for fair wages and benefits.”

The workers’ movement for collective bargaining at Starbucks has exploded — from 3 stores in Buffalo, New York in October late last year to 103 stores in 26 states by the time of this release. In the face of growing unionization efforts at retail locations across the country, the coffee giant is reported to be ramping up union-busting activities. These legislators signing the letter request Starbucks follow the letter of the law – both on a state level and nation-wide – and work collaboratively with its employees and the unions of their choice.

 

CONTACT
Evan Anderson
Staff to Rep. Zack Fields
Evan.Anderson@akleg.gov
(907) 465-2647