It's not really MY story. I used to frequent a wonderful mom-and-pop coffee shop in Manoa Valley in Honolulu, HI - laid back, beautiful views, wonderful gathering spot. They were put out of business by Starbucks opening a shop across the street, with no outside seating or gathering spot.... I've never had a cup of Starbucks coffee ever since, nor will I. - Carrie B.
The only thing that makes this job bearable is working with my coworkers (not just at my store but stores across the country) to unionize and create better lives for ourselves and our families. If it weren't for the union, I would have quit long ago. Solidarity Forever! - Josh K., Baltimore, MD
I haven't had a drink from starbucks in 4 years and don't ever intend to go back. They too often mask some very corrupt, sickening and just plain sad tactics of intimidation to their workers with a lame cover-up that appeals to the "trendy" and influencable youths. They have unethical work standards and the fact that they refuse to let workers unionize just adds to the my distaste for them. - Gregory D., Franklin, TN
What a smoke screen! The video was right: a truly socially-conscious company would have more regard for its employees. I had no idea that the baristas, who work at a frantic pace, made so little. I am a teacher and see first-hand both the necessity for unions and the frightening public desire to crush organized labor out of existence. I bought Starbucks coffee daily, for 7 years, until this point. I will no longer consume Starbucks products unless the Employee Free Choice Act is passed. Thank you, Brave New Films, for once again compiling effective and informative material. ... but in this section of your website, "other's" should not have the apostrophe. It's plural, not possessive. (Sorry... did I mention I teach English?) - Kathryn H., Philadelphia, PA
The employees @ my local starbucks are fantastic! If they want a union they should be able to get one with no hassle! CEO guy allow this to happen. - Joe D., San Pablo, CA
I like the coffee, but I do not like the management is dealing with his employees. Stand up for your right!!!! - Alexander D.
I buy a latte, every time I am close to a Starbucks, I kinda got hook on them while Living in Seattle. But since reading of their labor record I am rethinking my coffee preference, Maxwell House may again start tasting good to the last drop. Let the employee's choose. - Glenn T., Rogersville, AL
I read about Starbuck's history and labor abuses in the book Starbucked. After reading Starbucked, I loathe Starbucks and avoid it whenever I can. Mr. Schultz, Starbucks can afford to take care of its workers and cooperate with service unions. Stop abusing the people who made you so rich. - Kimberly S., NY, NY
I visit Starbucks a few times a week. I support the right of workers to organize. Union busting leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. - John D., Chicago, IL
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I have never and will never buy a single cup of coffee from Starbucks. Why in the hell would I spend 5 bucks on a single cup of coffee? For another buck or two I can drink multiple cups of coffee every single day for over a month. - Brian, Kansas City, MO
The word on the street has always been that Starbucks treats its workers really well, so this does come come as quite an unpleasant surprise. - Dhananjaya K., Washington DC
I did today and yesterday and the day before get coffee, and food, at Starbuck's. It is distressing to get this email and learn that Starbuck's is mistreating employees. It makes me want to stop being a customer, as I have stopped shopping at Walmart. Doesn't Schultz realize that he is ruining things for everyone?? - Josie A., Albuquerque, NM
I was never a fan of Starbucks, but on some occasion I go to the local starbucks to get my manager some coffee. Every time I go I see the same girl there with a very tired look, now I understand why. Its totally unfair what they are doing to these employees. I will continue boycotting Starbucks. - Oscar P., Woodbridge, VA
It saddens me to hear about the unionizing denied at Starbucks as the owner becomes a billionaire. When I read comments on You Tube from young people who are anti-union I question how well we teach history in schools and colleges. We are responsible for the lack of knowledge young people have of union history and the constant vigilance needed to protect workers from "robber barons" here in our present day society. I love Starbuck's coffee, but I can make another brand at home just as well... - Gail D., Nashua, NH
Unions will help get better pay for the workers, in turn allowing the workers to support local economies better. Allowing unionization of Starbucks will help us all. I will show solidarity in not shopping in any Starbucks until they are given a fair chance at unionization. - Michael K., NY, NY
I go to Starbuck's ALL THE TIME but make a pledge to boycott them until they support their employees' right to organize. I believe big business is out of control in this country. Do you not have enough, Mr. billionaire Shultz, that you refuse to provide benefits and pay your workers what I was making in 1979?! - Cynthia V., Albuquerque, NM
I haven't purchased a Starbucks' coffee (or anything else) since they have been resisting IWW organizing efforts (check "Industrial Worker"). I'd like to suggest everyone else boycott Starbucks, too. Solidarity works wonders! - Kent C., Greensboro, NC
No story here: Just that I've been a regular customer of Starbucks for years, having the perception of a chain that was progressive and enlightened. But it seems that Mr. "union-busting" Schultz is just another smooth-talking phony, who is just out to make a make - the hell with his employees. I will take my business elsewhere from now on. - Frances S., NY, NY
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