Starbucks workers vote to unionize in Buffalo, NY

Starbucks workers have voted to unionize at a store in Buffalo, New York over the company's objections, raising the possibility of a new labor model for the 50-year old coffee giant. If the labor board certifies the vote, it would be the first for any Starbucks-owned store in the U.S. to unionize. 

Starbucks has actively fought unionization at its stores for decades, saying its stores function best when it works directly with employees. Union backers at the first three Buffalo stores filed petitions with the labor board in August seeking representation by Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.

Those workers say Starbucks' stores had chronic problems like understaffing and faulty equipment even before the pandemic. They want more input on pay and store operations.