Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia of Brody and Associates in Connecticut. Courtesy Photo A Tale of Two Union Drives: Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's
Both Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's have a history of being pro-employee, pro-social justice, pro-social change organizations.
August 03, 2023 at 11:13 AM
5 minute read
Commentary
By now, most have heard of the ongoing saga surrounding Starbucks and its over 400 locations which have filed with the federal National Labor Relations Board to hold union elections. To date, more than 400 elections have been held with more than 330 union victories to just 77 losses — an 81% winning percentage, which is virtually unheard of by historical standards. Starbucks' battle with the union began in August 2021 and continues to rage with two to three new elections requested every week.
In contrast is Ben & Jerry's. The union filed an election request at one store and Ben & Jerry's didn't fight it; they voluntarily recognized the union without the need for an election. The question is why such a difference?
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