Thousands of Starbucks workers nationwide, including baristas in Central Florida, are calling for a customer boycott against the coffee giant. Represented by Starbucks Workers United, the union is demanding a $17 minimum wage, reliable hours, just-cause protections against arbitrary firing, an end to understaffing, and stronger non-discrimination policies. Workers argue that current wages are insufficient to keep pace with the rising costs of living, groceries, and gas.
The union, which represents more than 11,000 baristas across over 700 U.S. locations—including two in the Orlando metro area—first launched the open-ended boycott in late August. Since the historic first corporate-owned store unionized in Buffalo, New York, in 2021, the National Labor Relations Board has received hundreds of complaints against Starbucks. These filings allege unlawful retaliation, the withholding of raises, and a failure to bargain in good faith.
Starbucks representatives maintain that the company offers competitive pay and industry-leading benefits, adding that they remain committed to productive bargaining. However, union supporters point to the multimillion-dollar corporate expenditures on anti-union campaigns and substantial executive compensation packages—including millions paid to CEO Brian Niccol—as evidence that the company has the financial capacity to meet their demands.
Despite low union density in Florida and nationwide, public support for labor organizations remains near historic highs. Recent Gallup polling shows that 71 percent of Americans approve of labor unions, with particularly strong backing among younger demographics. Organizers hope that a successful movement at Starbucks will serve as a catalyst for workers across other major corporations.
