Employees of Starbucks at The Gallery at Westbury Plaza voted 23-0 on June 10 in favor of unionizing under Starbucks Workers United, a division of the Workers United New York/New Jersey Regional Joint Board.
“It feels great to be at the start of this movement,” said Starbucks employee Ash Larsen.
The unanimous decision makes the Starbucks location, located on Old Country Road, the second unionized Starbucks store on Long Island. The Massapequa location on Merrick Road voted 19 to 8 to unionize in May.
“This company started with great values,” said Jen Dunn, a Westbury Starbucks employee of two years. “I believe with a national union we can get back to what makes this company great.”
“It feels great to be at the start of this movement,” added Ash Larsen, who has worked there for one year. “To help momentum across the country for workers rights is amazing.”
Unionization efforts by Long Island Starbucks employees have been met with support from the local labor organization the Long Island Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO).
“We stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them and will support their efforts to secure better wages, dignity, and respect in the workplace,” said AFL-CIO President John R. Durso.
Workers at The Gallery at Westbury Plaza Starbucks had filed a petition to unionize in April, joining more than 200 across the country who are also seeking unionization, including several on Long Island. A Great Neck location failed its vote in May, while a Farmingville Starbucks was awaiting its vote as of June 14.
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