ARIZONA NEWS

Feds: Starbucks engaged in unfair labor practices in Phoenix

Apr 23, 2022, 10:00 AM | Updated: Apr 24, 2022, 4:18 am

PHOENIX (AP) — Federal labor officials have asked a judge to force Starbucks Corp. to reinstate three union activists at its Phoenix location, alleging that the coffee giant engaged in unfair labor practices, documents show.

The National Labor Relations Board’s Phoenix regional director, in a filing Friday in U.S. District Court in Arizona, sought an injunction that would make Starbucks hire back its three employees — who were three of four members of the union organizing committee.

The NLRB’s petition is the latest blow to the coffee chain as locations nationwide seek to unionize. Workers at the flagship Seattle location voted Thursday to form a union, as did baristas in Colorado on Friday.

In Phoenix, federal labor officials allege that Starbucks retaliated after it learned of employees there seeking to unionize.

“Among other things, Starbucks disciplined, suspended, and discharged one employee, constructively discharged another, and placed a third on an unpaid leave of absence after revoking recently granted accommodations,” the filing states.

A Starbucks spokesperson said Saturday that the company disagreed with the labor board’s accusations and noted an investigation found the employees violated policies and, in some cases, state law.

After the Seattle location’s vote, Reggie Borges, a Starbucks spokesman, said “we will respect the process and will bargain in good faith. We hope that the union does the same.”

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A homeless person sits in the median at an intersection Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Phoenix.  (AP...

Luke Forstner

Valley heat especially dangerous for those experiencing homelessness

Summer temperatures have come to the Valley, and those experiencing homelessness are most at risk of the heat’s adverse effects.

6 hours ago

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown)...

Brandon Gray

International real estate conference coming to Phoenix

An international real estate conference is coming to Phoenix on June 9. 

6 hours ago

(OdySea Photo)...

Brandon Gray

Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick expanding, acquires 48 acres of land

Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick has acquired an additional 48 acres of land for future expansion, the entertainment destination announced Tuesday. 

6 hours ago

Gavel (Pexels Photo)...

Brandon Gray

Arizona attorney general sues major chemical companies 3M, DuPont over water contamination

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Tuesday she has filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of a class of man-made chemical compounds causing widespread pollution of the state's groundwater.

6 hours ago

(Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)...

SuElen Rivera

Arizona Gov. Hobbs vetoes bill that sought to ban photo radar on state roads

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill last week that sought to ban the use of photo enforcement systems on state roads.

1 day ago

A new Census report says Pinal County added 6,347 new housing units from 2021 to 2022, a 3.5% growt...

Jasmine Kabiri/Cronkite News

Room to boom: Pinal County housing grew at fastest rate in state

It’s unclear which came first in Pinal County, the houses or the people filling them. What is clear is that both continue growing at some of the fastest rates in the state and, in some instances, the nation.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Spinal fusion surgery has come a long way, despite misconceptions

As Dr. Justin Field of the Desert Institute for Spine Care explained, “we've come a long way over the last couple of decades.”

(Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona Photo)...

Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

Neck pain can debilitate one’s daily routine, yet 80% of people experience it in their lives and 20%-50% deal with it annually.

Feds: Starbucks engaged in unfair labor practices in Phoenix