The labor organizing wave that started in Buffalo, New York in August 2021 and sparked a nationwide Starbucks unionization movement — the most significant US union drive in decades.

The Beginning

August 2021: Workers at three Starbucks stores in Buffalo, NY filed for union elections with Workers United (SEIU affiliate).

Why Buffalo?

• Starbucks had ~9,000 corporate stores in the US — none unionized
• Buffalo workers faced understaffing, inconsistent schedules, health and safety concerns
• The pandemic had exposed how “essential” workers were treated

December 9, 2021: Elmwood Avenue store in Buffalo became the first Starbucks to unionize, voting 19-8 in favor.

The Spread

By end of 2021: Multiple Buffalo stores had filed for elections. The movement was just beginning.

(What happened next, in 2022-2023): Over 300 stores unionized nationwide. But the 2021 Buffalo victory was the spark.

Why It Mattered

Starbucks branded itself as progressive:

• LGBTQ+ friendly
• Racial justice statements
• “Partner” (not employee) language
• Benefits (healthcare, tuition reimbursement)

But workers said: The reality was understaffing, poverty wages (~$12-15/hour), union-busting, and retaliation.

The hypocrisy — progressive branding + anti-union tactics — became a rallying point.

The Company Response (2021)

Starbucks fought hard:

• CEO Kevin Johnson flew to Buffalo
• Sent executives to “listen sessions” (workers called it intimidation)
• Hired union-busting firm Littler Mendelson
• Flooded stores with managers

Classic union-busting playbook: Delay elections, hold captive-audience meetings, imply benefits would be lost.

The Workers

Alexis Rizzo, Michelle Eisen, Jaz Brisack — early organizers who became faces of the movement.

Why they unionized:

• Poverty wages (“Can’t afford rent on Starbucks pay”)
• Inconsistent scheduling
• Understaffing (2-3 people during rushes)
• No say in workplace conditions

The Discourse

Pro-union: “If Starbucks can afford $20 billion in stock buybacks, they can afford fair wages.”

Anti-union (Starbucks line): “Unions would harm the ‘partner’ relationship. We’re better direct.”

Public opinion: Largely pro-worker. Starbucks’ progressive image made anti-union tactics look hypocritical.

The Cultural Impact

Gen Z labor organizing: The Starbucks campaign was led largely by young workers who grew up seeing unions decline — and decided to bring them back.

Social media strategy: Organizers used Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram to share their stories, counter corporate messaging, and build public support.

Inspired others: Amazon, Apple, Trader Joe’s, and REI workers all launched union drives in 2021-2022.

The 2021 Legacy

December 9, 2021 — the first Starbucks union victory — became a turning point in US labor history.

After decades of union decline, young workers proved organizing was possible — even at a notoriously anti-union company.

Sources

• Workers United (SEIU) Starbucks campaign updates
• NLRB election results Buffalo December 2021
• New York Times, NPR Starbucks union coverage
• Organizer interviews (Alexis Rizzo, Michelle Eisen)
• Labor Notes Starbucks tracking