In a surprising turn of events, Starbucks announced on Friday its desire to return to the bargaining table after over six months of deadlock with the union representing its workers. Sara Kelly, the Vice President and Chief Partner Officer of Starbucks, conveyed in a letter to Lynne Fox, President of Workers United, the parent union of Starbucks Workers United, that the company is proposing to resume negotiations in January with a select group of organized stores. Kelly emphasized the shared belief that the current impasse is unsatisfactory for both parties and has been detrimental to Starbucks, Workers United, and most importantly, the employees. With this shared sentiment in mind, Starbucks is appealing to the union for support and agreement to restart the bargaining process.

In a bid to foster open and honest discussions, Starbucks has expressed its preference to conduct these meetings without audio or video recording, aiming to ensure the comfort of all participants. This proposition contradicts the union's previous advocacy for negotiations to be conducted via videoconference, enabling a larger number of members to participate. Lynne Fox responded to the letter by stating that the union is currently reviewing its contents and determining the appropriate course of action. Fox emphasized that the union has never opposed meeting with Starbucks and that any measures that contribute positively to advancing the bargaining process are highly welcomed.

The initial efforts to unionize Starbucks workers began in 2021, with three stores in the Buffalo area leading the charge. Since then, the movement has gained momentum, with over 350 of the company's approximately 9,300 corporate-owned stores in the United States now organized. Throughout the two-year journey, Starbucks and its workers have been embroiled in numerous disputes, ranging from disagreements over Pride Month decor to allegations of company retaliation. Consequently, talks have continuously stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress since their last meeting on May 23.

The recent November 16 walkout at more than 200 Starbucks stores, coinciding with the company's promotional Red Cup Day, reflects the escalating tensions. To date, the union has filed numerous charges with the National Labor Relations Board, citing unfair labor practices, including unjust firings and the withholding of certain healthcare benefits for organized workers. The agency has predominantly sided with the workers in these disputes. Concurrently, Starbucks has taken legal action against the union, accusing them of using the company's intellectual property in pro-Palestinian messaging.

Despite these contentious confrontations, Starbucks is now expressing its commitment to engaging in negotiations with its unionized workers and reaching labor agreements in the coming year. This marks a significant shift for the coffee chain, which had vehemently opposed unionization efforts within its U.S. operations. In her letter to Lynne Fox, Sara Kelly affirmed that the current impasse should not be deemed acceptable by either party. Furthermore, Kelly set a goal for bargaining to be completed and contracts to be ratified in 2024, demonstrating Starbucks' willingness to find a resolution.

As the two-year anniversary of the Buffalo, New York Starbucks store's historic vote to unionize approaches, the ramifications of this decision continue to reverberate. Since that groundbreaking moment, at least 370 company-owned Starbucks stores across the U.S. have elected to unionize, according to the National Labor Relations Board. With approximately 10,000 Starbucks stores nationwide, workers are advocating for improved pay, more consistent schedules, and greater involvement in matters such as store safety and workload management during peak periods. Seattle-based Starbucks, on the other hand, contends that its stores operate more efficiently when direct collaboration with employees is prioritized, rather than relying on third-party representation. With the renewed commitment to bargaining, Starbucks hopes to find common ground with its unionized workforce and establish mutually beneficial labor agreements.