Howard Schultz Defends Starbucks’ Anti-Union Stance in Congressional Hearing | Eater
"In a highly publicized HELP Committee hearing prompted by accusations of illegal union-busting, former CEO Howard Schultz defended the company, calling NLRB findings “allegations” and insisting the company had not broken the law while invoking a $17.50 starting wage and a history of good benefits. An NLRB judge, however, concluded the company had violated the National Labor Relations Act “hundreds of times” and engaged in “egregious and widespread misconduct,” ordering reinstatements of unlawfully fired workers and a posted notice informing employees of their right to unionize; the company is appealing. Worker witnesses described lost health coverage after hours were cut below eligibility thresholds, inadequate benefits that forced a disabled veteran to rely on VA care, alleged surveillance of employees via order headsets, and the firing of more than 20 pro-union workers, while union organizers noted ongoing momentum with more than 280 successful union elections and at least one store filing for unionization during the hearing. Shareholders voted to pursue a third-party review of labor practices, and the company said it is undertaking an independent human-rights impact assessment focused on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Schultz stepped down as CEO shortly before the hearing and was replaced by Laxman Narasimhan; critics and lawmakers said the proceedings helped spotlight corporate labor practices and likely energized further organizing even as legal and congressional investigations continue." - Amy McCarthy
