Starbucks, workers union make ‘significant progress’ in contract talks this week

Starbucks And Workers United, which represents about 400 of its cafes, said in a joint release Friday that they had made “significant progress” in their contract negotiations this week.

According to the press release, the two parties discussed the process for resolving grievances, details on union representation of Starbucks baristas and other topics on Wednesday and Thursday in Atlanta.

The two-day session marked the first time in nearly a year that Starbucks and Workers United came to the bargaining table. It followed an announcement in February that the two sides were ending their bitter standoff.

The coffee giant spent more than two years fighting the union, which is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU. Workers United has widely pushed for higher wages and more permanent scheduling, among other priorities.

This week’s talks are the closest any of the united locations, which make up a small part of Starbucks’ total U.S. footprint, have come to a collective bargaining agreement.

Still, there is a long way to go.

“There is more to do, but we are committed to working together,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

According to the release, Starbucks and the union plan to meet again in late May to continue working on the framework that will inform each store’s agreement. Individual stores still have to negotiate and ratify their contracts after the foundation is built.

Labor laws do not require that the employer and union reach a collective bargaining agreement, only that both bargain in good faith. After a year, workers who lose faith in the union can apply for decertification, putting a ticking clock on negotiations.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Starbucks and Workers United represent approximately 400 cafes. An earlier version misstated the number.