U.S. labor board accuses Starbucks of retaliatory firings

Starbucks Corp. violated federal law by firing, threatening, and carrying out surveillance on union activists in New York, U.S. labor board prosecutors alleged in a complaint.

The agency’s Buffalo regional director said in a filing Friday that the company illegally interfered with employees’ rights by firing six and retaliating against others. The allegations were brought to the agency by Workers United, the labor group that has prevailed in votes at more than 50 of the company’s U.S. stores, beginning with a landmark victory last December in Buffalo.

Starbucks, in an emailed statement, disputed the claims and said the complaint represented only the start of a litigation process.

“We believe the allegations contained in the complaint are false, and we look forward to presenting our evidence,” spokesperson Reggie Borges wrote.

The company has said it complies with labor laws and that claims of antiunion activity are “categorically false.”

The NLRB complaint seeks remedies including the reinstatement of the employees who were allegedly illegally fired or forced out, along with financial compensation and apology letters.

The agency’s general counsel is also seeking a videotaped meeting with employees, union and government representatives, and either Starbucks Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz, North America President Rossann Williams, or both. At the meeting, either a company executive or a labor board official would read a notice about employees’ rights.

Additionally, the NLRB wants mandatory training for Starbucks managers about workers’ rights, and a requirement that the union get access to company bulletin boards, employees’ contact information and equal time to address workers.