Starbucks Workers Report Abuse Under New CEO Policies, Union Pushes for Better Conditions.

A Chicago barista claims Starbucks workers are being verbally abused under new CEO Brian Niccol's policies, citing understaffing and frustration. The barista says the company's resources should be used to address workers' concerns rather than creating policies that make the job harder. Starbucks Workers United claims the company has stalled bargaining and that Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy has made daily operations more grueling.

A Chicago barista has spoken out about worsening conditions at Starbucks, blaming new policies and understaffing under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership. The barista, Diego Franco, a five-year veteran at the Oakton & Lee Street Starbucks and a bargaining delegate with Starbucks Workers United, claims that the company's rules have fueled frustration among workers.

Franco told FOX Business that workers are verbally abused and that managers point out mistakes. He also mentioned that the company's resources should be used to address worker concerns rather than creating policies that make the job harder. Franco stated that the company's policies have made daily operations more grueling, citing understaffing and long wait times for customers.

Starbucks Workers United argues that the company has stalled bargaining, despite progress made in early 2024. The union claims that Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy has increased demands on workers without improvements to staffing or pay. A survey conducted by Starbucks Workers United and the Strategic Organizing Center found that 91% of workers reported understaffing in the past three months, and 93% said the policy changes under Niccol either had no impact or worsened the customer experience.

In addition to worker concerns, Niccol's compensation has been a point of criticism. Niccol received $97.8 million in total compensation in 2024, 6,666 times more than the median annual salary of a Starbucks worker at $14,674. Starbucks claimed that the majority of Niccol's reported first-year compensation reflects multi-year replacement equity grants, awarded to offset compensation forfeited upon his departure from Chipotle.

The union has utilized strikes and protests to address specific issues at stores. In December 2024, thousands of baristas went on strike after the union claimed Starbucks backtracked on an agreement to finalize a deal. The union has continued growing to 648 unionized stores, from 500 stores in September 2024.

References:
[1] https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-us/chicago-barista-starbucks-abuse-ceo-policies
[2] https://www.inkl.com/news/a-year-under-ceo-niccol-starbucks-workers-long-fight-for-a-union-contract