Long Beach, California — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has determined that former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz violated labor law during an April 2022 meeting with a union-organizing barista in Long Beach. The barista had voiced concerns about Starbucks’ labor practices, to which Schultz responded, “If you’re not happy at Starbucks, you can go work for another company.“
On October 2, 2024, the NLRB concluded that Schultz’s remark was unlawful, implying that employees could lose their jobs for participating in union activities.
Starbucks has been ordered to post a notice of employee rights in all Long Beach stores that attended the meeting. The board emphasized that such comments discourage efforts to improve working conditions through unionization.
This ruling comes amid broader scrutiny of Starbucks’ labor practices. Since 2021, the company has faced multiple charges from federal regulators for retaliating against unionizing employees.
While Starbucks initially resisted unionization, the company shifted its approach in early 2024, agreeing to streamline negotiations with the union representing its workers.
Starbucks Workers United, the union leading the campaign, praised the NLRB’s decision. Co-chair Michelle Eisen noted that the union is focused on the future and is proud to chart a new path with the company.
Starbucks spokesperson Phil Gee stated that the company disagreed with the NLRB’s findings but remains committed to respecting workers’ rights to organize.