Starbucks CEO Niccol Commits to “Engage Constructively” with Workers’ Union, According to Reuters

Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, expressed in a letter on Tuesday that he “deeply respects” the rights of the coffee chain’s employees to choose union representation, emphasizing his commitment to “engage constructively” with them.

This week, the company is continuing contract negotiations with the Workers United union. This session marks the first under Niccol’s leadership following an unexpected CEO transition last month.

Niccol’s comments were made in response to a letter from 298 baristas who serve as bargaining delegates for the union.

Earlier this month, Niccol stated in an open letter his intention to enhance the work culture within Starbucks locations across the U.S., indicating plans to spend time in stores to collaborate with suppliers and partners for improvements.

In his recent letter, Niccol also reaffirmed his dedication to fostering a “great work environment” in-store and noted that the company values direct relationships with its employees.

“If our partners choose to be represented, I am committed to ensuring that we engage constructively and in good faith with the union and the partners it represents,” Niccol wrote.

Starbucks initiated negotiations with Workers United in April to establish a foundational framework for collective bargaining in the U.S. The union’s bargaining team represents over 10,500 employees across more than 490 locations.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a lower court’s injunction requested by the National Labor Relations Board, which sought to have Starbucks rehire seven employees in Memphis who were dismissed while attempting to unionize.

(Note: This article has been updated to correct a typographical error in the first paragraph.)