Why Are People Calling for a Boycott on Starbucks?
Starbucks Workers United is calling for a boycott of Starbucks due to union-busting behavior.
The baristas’ union, Starbucks Workers United, posted on social media expressing their support for Palestine. Starbucks decided to file a lawsuit against Starbucks Workers United over trademark infringement for the organization’s use of its name and elements of the Starbucks logo.
Screenshot of Starbucks Workers United post in support of Palestine on X.
The original Starbucks Workers United post in support of Palestine has since been taken down but on Oct. 20, 2023, their X account posted an official statement.
In response to the post, Starbucks did receive backlash and a call for a boycott online from Florida Senator Rick Scott for the union’s support of Palestine.
On Oct. 17, 2023, Sara Kelly executive vice president and chief partner officer released a statement against the union,
“Unfortunately, as violence against the innocent in the region continues to escalate, some people are mistakenly tying these remarks to us, because Workers United and its affiliates and members continue to use our name, logo and intellectual property.”
Starbucks distinguished itself from the union and the post-supporting Palestine.
She continued to separate Starbucks from the union stating, “Starbucks unequivocally condemns acts of terrorism, hate and violence, and we strongly disagree with the views expressed by Workers United…none of these groups speak for Starbucks Coffee Company and do not represent our company’s views, positions, or beliefs. Their words and actions belong to them, and them alone.”
Workers and customers believe trademark infringement is not the motivation behind the lawsuit but another attempt at union-busting.
The UnionBustingPlaybook.com defines union-busting as any action taken by management to prevent employees from exercising their right to organize.
Starbucks has a past of union-busting behavior. A yearlong investigation took place regarding claims of labor violations at the Nation Labor Relations Board. It was discovered that Starbucks had been illegally monitoring and punishing employees fighting for a union.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, people are calling for boycotts on other franchises such as Burger King, Domino’s Pizza and McDonald’s for their ties to Israel. These boycotts are in support of the tactic to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel or BDS.
Whizy Kim explains that boycott, divest from and sanction Israel or BDS is a global nonviolent protest movement. The movement aims to use the tactics of boycotting to use economic means against the state, financial divestment and government sanctions to pressure Israel to abide by international laws.
The tactic of boycotting is up to consumers, will you stop ordering from the on-campus Starbucks in support of the union?
Or stop getting Domino’s Pizza, Burger King and McDonald’s to support BDS and Palestine?
If you’re missing your sweet coffee treat, you can revisit those at home coffee videos from quarantine that show what products you can buy in store and how to make coffee from the comfort of your own home.
