The Arlington Education Association (AEA) is calling for a boycott of Starbucks in solidarity with a unionization campaign.
The local teachers’ union announced yesterday (Thursday) that it had joined the “No Contract, No Coffee” campaign, urging the public not to patronize the coffeehouse until a contract is reached with Starbucks Workers United.
AEA “encourages Arlington residents, families and fellow workers to join the boycott and support Starbucks workers’ struggle until their efforts result in a fair and just contract,” AEA said in a press release.
“When workers are under attack, it is our duty to stand with them — loudly, clearly and without hesitation,” said AEA President June Prakash.
“Starbucks workers are confronting one of the most profitable corporations in the world and demanding dignity, stability and a real voice on the job,” Prakash said. “Their fight is our fight.”
The national boycott calls on union members and allies to withhold all Starbucks purchases until the company comes to the bargaining table in good faith.
“Solidarity isn’t just a word. It’s a rallying call,” said Patrick Flaherty, who chairs AEA’s organizing committee.
“Educators know what it’s like to face powerful institutions that try to silence workers,” he said. “When Starbucks workers call for support, we show up. When they call for a boycott, we hit them where it counts — in their profits — because our values aren’t for sale.”
“No Contract, No Coffee” organizers say their effort represents 12,000 employees. Organizers and their supporters have been picketing select Starbucks outlets nationally.
The organizing effort began in 2021 in Buffalo, N.Y. To date, more than 640 stores have voted for union representation, organizers say, but no union contracts have been signed.
Among the locations where employees are seeking a union contract is the one at 2200 Clarendon Blvd. in Courthouse, according to data provided by Starbucks. A union-organizing effort at that location was conducted in 2022.
The company, founded in 1971 in Seattle, reported just under $37.2 billion in global sales for the fiscal year ending in September, up 2.8%. Operating income was down 45% to $2.94 billion for the year. Figures include revenues from both company-operated stores and licensees.
In September, Starbucks shuttered two Ballston locations as part of a national restructuring effort.
