TAMPA, Fla. – Baristas at the Shoppes of Carrollwood Starbucks location have officially filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), signaling their intent to join the growing ranks of Starbucks Workers United. This move places them within a nationwide movement of baristas seeking improved working conditions.
The baristas at the Carrollwood location are aiming to secure workplace protections concerning living wages, respect, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling. Their petition adds to the momentum of Starbucks Workers United, which now represents approximately 11,000 baristas across more than 580 stores in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
READ: Verizon Vows To Kill DEI Day After Board Member Says It’s ‘Alive And Well’
Since Starbucks and Workers United announced a “new path forward” in February 2024, over 180 stores have voted to unionize. This surge in unionization efforts follows a series of recent victories in cities such as Chicago, Seattle, St. Cloud, Minn., Long Island, N.Y., and Bettendorf, Iowa.
Stephanie Short, a shift supervisor with six years of experience, expressed her reasons for supporting the unionization effort.
“I’m voting to unionize because we all deserve fair hours, wages, and a work environment that is not falling apart with equipment that actually properly works,” she stated. Short also highlighted issues with understaffing and unrealistic workload expectations.
READ: Tampa Traffic Alert: Eastbound Lane Closure On W Kennedy Blvd Starts Tuesday For Utility Repair
Jackie Montalvo, a barista of three years, echoed these concerns, stating, “Corporate has prioritized anything other than its partners. We have been left with unfulfilled promises and a lack of hours, and as a result, many baristas are left stressed and overwhelmed.” She further emphasized the difficulty many baristas face in accessing essential benefits due to inconsistent hours.
The Carrollwood filing comes amid ongoing tensions between Starbucks and Workers United. In April, work stoppages were held to protest the company’s alleged union-busting practices.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
