We don’t have the capacity or the time to take care of cleanliness, we’re using the person who would be cleaning and sanitizing. “They’re expected to do four partners’ roles in one go. “They give so much at work and it’s not enough,” he says. It’s why we should have a voice at this table and bring up these things, like a need for more labor.”ī Morris-Brand, a shift supervisor at the SE Powell, shares many of these concerns, and describes the workers at his store as being “overworked, overtired, and exhausted, mentally, emotionally, and physically.” “We can barely keep up with food contact safety and implement the COVID-19 precautions we’ve established and promised our customers.

“With these mass labor cuts, our concerns not being able to sanitize,” he says. Arthur Pratt, a shift supervisor at the West Burnside location, says a primary concern has been understaffing, which leaves employees burnt out and scrambling to meet fundamental cleaning and sanitizing requirements. In multiple interviews, staffers say Starbucks ignored a variety of concerns from its employees, many of whom faced tremendous risks to health and safety by providing customer service throughout the pandemic. Portland Starbucks employees say the impetus for the burgeoning union comes from frustrations over the last two years, including labor shortages, inconsistent policies for masks and other safety procedures, and general anxieties around COVID-19.

However, so far Starbucks employees looking to unionize - including the ones at the four new stores - must go through a hearing with the NLRB and Starbucks’ legal team to move forward with the election. In interviews with Eater, multiple cafe employees said they hoped a union would help address issues that include wages, staffing, mask use, and other worker protections.Īt any point, Starbucks can agree to the elections and recognize the union.

On March 4, four more stores across town filed to unionize: ones on SE 28th and Powell, SW 5th and Oak, 23rd and West Burnside, and NE Grand and Lloyd. In late January, Willamette Week reported that three Portland-based Starbucks locations filed to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), joining others in Oregon. So, pretty good news for coffee drinkers-you can get your favorite java refreshment even on Halloween! Now you don't have to be worried about lacking energy for all the spooky adventures-you can just head to your local Starbucks to refuel.Staffers at multiple Starbucks shops around Portland have joined the nationwide unionization efforts happening at the chain’s cafes. Last year, there were Hocus Pocus-themed frapps, and we couldn't get enough. You may also want to ask them if they have a special Halloween drink for you to enjoy. However, you'll want to call your local shop before you head out since some open earlier and close later than these set hours. You'll be happy to know that Starbucks stores are open during their regular hours on Halloween. Now, where is the place many Americans head to for a customized cup of Joe? Starbucks, of course. And while the kids are loading up on candy, you should definitely treat yourself to a handcrafted coffee. During all the hustle, you might find yourself a little low on energy and craving a bit of caffeine. No matter what your plans are, we’re sure it’s going to be a fun day-but it’s also going to be a bit tiring too.

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