NLRB wants fired Tenn. Starbucks workers rehired
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Labor Relations Board is seeking a court order against Starbucks for reinstatement of seven fired workers at a Memphis location in February in the midst of unionizations efforts.
NLRB Regional Director Kathleen McKinney filed Tuesday the injunction in U.S. federal court, according to a news release. The NLRB accused Starbucks of directing “coercive” measures against its employees following the start of its union efforts.
That included disciplining employees responsible for starting the campaign. The petition also alleged Starbucks fired the seven workers following increased coverage and public support.
“Without immediate interim relief from this court, Starbucks could irreparably harm the campaign in Memphis, and send a chilling message to its employees across the country that they too will suffer the same fate as the terminated Memphis employees,” McKinney said in a statement. “It is crucial that these seven employees be reinstated and that Starbucks cease its unlawful conduct immediately so that all Starbucks workers can fully and freely exercise their labor rights.”
This is the latest development since the Memphis Starbucks workers began their unionization efforts in January. That effort remains ongoing with a union vote scheduled for May 24, according to Beto Sanchez, one of the fired workers.
“As soon as they hear that we’re back, there’s gonna be a lot of good energy at the store,” said Sanchez, a former shift supervisor. “I’m very excited and happy to be back with the people I was close to and being able to continue unionizing while back at my job.”
The NLRB issued a formal complaint April 22 against Starbucks over the firings, although the deadline to reach a settlement passed before the petition was filed. The NLRB is authorized to seek an injunction, according to the National Labor Relations Act, “to stop unfair labor practices where, because of the passage of time, the normal board processes are likely to be inadequate to effectively remedy the alleged violations.”
A Starbucks spokesperson said the company does not agree the claims in the petition have merit, and the complaint does not constitute a finding by the NLRB, according to a statement.
“It is the beginning of a litigation process that permits both sides to be heard and to present evidence,” said Reggie Borges, a Starbucks spokesperson. “We believe the allegations contained in the filing by the NLRB Regional Director are false, and we look forward to presenting our evidence when the allegations are adjudicated.”
A Starbucks spokesperson attributed the firings in February to employees violating safety and security protocols, though also adding the company does not think unions are necessary. The Starbucks employees at the store said they were not aware of those potential violations until their unionization efforts.