Starbucks Workers in Little Rock, Arkansas Continue Unionization Trend
On March 27, 2024, a Starbucks location at 11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd. in Little Rock, Arkansas, voted 12-2 to join Starbucks Workers United, becoming the second Starbucks location in Arkansas to do so.
Employees Express Hope for Improved Benefits
Lyra Jackson, a shift supervisor at the Little Rock location, emphasized the significance of this decision. “Winning our election was the most empowered I’ve ever felt in a workplace. I am so excited to see this movement continue to grow, and I’m hopeful that the upcoming negotiations with Starbucks will be the beginning of meaningful change.” Jackson also mentioned that the benefits of unionization should not be seen as luxuries but rather as necessities workers deserve.
Nationwide Pattern of Unionization Continues
The Little Rock location joins more than 410 Starbucks stores across 43 states, representing 10,000 employees, that have unionized since 2021. Earlier, a location in Fayetteville, Arkansas, had unionized in 2022, demonstrating an ongoing pattern of collective bargaining. Starbucks Workers United has been pushing forward this movement, seeking better working conditions, fair pay, and more.
Starbucks Commits to Collective Bargaining
Starbucks corporate offices expressed their commitment to the process, stating that they are “eager to reach ratified agreements in 2024 for represented stores.” The company has agreed to begin discussions on collective bargaining agreements after years of opposition. This shift marks an important step forward for workers seeking to improve their work environment.
Nationwide Unionization Rate Low in Arkansas
Despite the growing movement towards unionization, Arkansas continues to have a relatively low union membership rate. According to the Labor Department, the state’s union membership rate increased slightly from 4.9% to 5.1% in 2023 but remains among the lowest in the nation.
