Starbucks Workers Union Files Complaint Against Olympics Partnership
The union representing Starbucks workers, Starbucks Workers United, has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opposing the company’s role as the “official coffee partner” of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The complaint alleges that Starbucks’ treatment of U.S. workers seeking to unionize and bargain a contract, as well as allegations of forced labor abroad, conflict with the Olympic Games’ code of ethics.
The 22-page complaint notes findings by federal labor regulators that Starbucks had unlawfully retaliated against employees, failed to bargain with the union, and engaged in an “aggressive, unrelenting campaign of intimidation and interference” to discourage workers from exercising their right to organize. It also cites legal actions filed in April by Brazilian workers and watchdog groups, alleging that Starbucks’ supply chain relies on human trafficking and “slavery-like” labor in Brazil.
Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices
Starbucks denies the accusations made in the complaint, but the union argues that the company’s actions are inconsistent with the Olympic spirit, which celebrates human dignity, fairness, solidarity, and teamwork. Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United and a former Starbucks employee, said that the company has been “fighting [its] own baristas” and “stonewalling” a union contract.
Starbucks maintains that the union is to blame for stalled contract talks, citing that the union walked away from negotiations in the winter. However, the union contends that Starbucks has been unwilling to negotiate in good faith. The complaint also alleges that Starbucks created a possible conflict of interest by lobbying for the Olympics deal, given that a prominent former member of Starbucks’ board, Mellody Hobson, serves on the board of LA28, the organizing committee for the Summer Games.
Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said that the company denies allegations of forced labor in Brazil and is committed to ethical sourcing. Anderson stated that the coffee farms Starbucks works with are thoroughly vetted and that the company is proud to bring connection, culture, community, and incredible coffee to the world stage at the LA28 Games.
The IOC’s chief ethics and compliance officer will analyze the complaint and determine whether to submit it to an independent ethics commission for review. The commission may recommend that the IOC take action to address the alleged ethics violations.
The complaint marks the latest point of tension between Southern California workers and their employers in the lead-up to the L.A. Olympics. Labor groups have launched campaigns to improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights in the lead-up to the Games.
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