Starbucks could be forced to reopen 23 shuttered stores in union case

Federal labor regulators want to order Starbucks to reopen 23 stores that it shuttered during a wave of unionization at the company.

The requirement to reopen stores is pending. If carried out, it would not only mandate reopenings, but also order Starbucks to give affected employees their jobs back and pay them for their loss in earnings.

The request was presented in a complaint filed by the National Labor Relations Board on Wednesday.

The NLRB says Starbucks closed 23 union and non-union stores in direct response to unionization efforts. Specifically, that Starbucks shuttered cafes "because its employees engaged in union and/or protected, concerted activities, and/or to discourage employees from engaging in union and/or protected, concerted activities."

Seven of the stores in question are in Seattle, where the coffee giant is headquartered. The locations include:

• 23rd and Jackson
• Broadway and Denny
• East Olive Way
• Westlake Center
• Holman Road
• Roosevelt Square
• 505 Union Station

NLRB prosecutors are seeking an order requiring the company to reopen the locations. Starbucks has until Dec. 27 to respond, and the case will go to a hearing in August 2024 if not settled by then.

A statement from the union Starbucks Workers United says it "is the latest confirmation of Starbucks' determination to illegally oppose workers' organizing."

Starbucks did not immediately respond to KUOW's request for comment. A spokesperson told The New York Times that "Each year as a standard course of business, we evaluate the store portfolio."