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More Seattle baristas file to join SBWU

Workers are seeking to join the ranks of 11,000 baristas at over 530 Starbucks stores united in the fast-growing union

SEATTLE, WA (January 29, 2025) — Starbucks baristas at the 1101 Madison location in Seattle filed a petition for a union election on Thursday, joining a rapidly expanding movement of baristas working together to win workplace protections on core issues like living wages, respect, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling.

These baristas join an organizing wave that has gained momentum over the past year, with more than 130 stores voting to join Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) since February 2024, including the SoDo Reserve located within Starbucks’ Seattle headquarters. 

In a press release, baristas shared why they’re choosing to unionize.

“We decided to organize because the gap between corporate and baristas has become increasingly apparent. We are met with unreasonable expectations, low pay, and blatant disregard for our wellbeing. We are the face of Starbucks and deserve a healthy working environment,” said Saul Abolafya (he/him), a barista of 1.5 years.

Baristas and supporters picket in front of the Pike St. Roastery in Seattle during the nationwide strike in December 2024. Photo: SBWU

This filing comes on the heels of the largest strike in Starbucks history as 5,000 baristas shut down over 300 stores across the country on Christmas Eve to call out the company’s unfair labor practices.

Baristas have continued to raise their voices to demand a better future at Starbucks, and SBWU has filed more than 90 unfair labor practice charges in recent weeks after the company backtracked on the path forward it agreed to over the future of organizing and collective bargaining. 

While the Trump administration’s firing of NLRB appointees prompts uncertainty and a possible legal challenge, baristas are continuing to organize for a fair contract. On Tuesday, workers in New York City led a sit-in calling out Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, who received $96 million in compensation for four months work in 2024 while offering baristas an average raise of 30 cents.

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