Photo: Getty Images
Employees at the Starbucks on Massa Drive in Ulster have voted to join Starbucks Workers United, marking the first unionized Starbucks in the Hudson Valley. The vote, held on January 23, resulted in a 12-4 decision in favor of unionization. This move is part of a broader national trend, with over 140 Starbucks locations across the United States voting to unionize since February 2024.
Starbucks Workers United, which formed in 2021, represents more than 11,000 baristas across 540 stores. The union advocates for better wages, fair scheduling, and workplace protections. The decision to unionize at Massa Drive reflects growing frustration among workers over low wages and management's lack of responsiveness to employee concerns. Barista Kian Mccomb expressed this sentiment, stating, "We were practically pleading for help from higher-ups and were being told 'This is how it is' and to suck it up."
The unionization vote follows the largest strike in Starbucks history, where over 5,000 workers shut down more than 300 stores on Christmas Eve to protest unfair labor practices. Despite the success in unionizing, many Starbucks locations have struggled to finalize contracts, leading to ongoing strikes and legal challenges.
Shift supervisor Jasmine Rufe expressed hope for improved conditions, saying, "Here’s to better times ahead!" The union's grassroots approach has fostered solidarity among workers, and the victory at Massa Drive may inspire further organizing efforts in the region.