'We Have a Voice' Says Mercer Starbucks Barista After Union Vote

Princeton NJ

03 May, 2022

12:48 PM

Description

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy joined AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and workers from UFCW Local 360's Cannabis Division and Hamilton Starbucks employees for a roundtable discussion in Ewing. Workers spoke about why they recently voted to be represented by Workers United and why joining a union is important. Bella Griep, a Starbucks Hamilton employee for over 20 years, said she knew she was risking her job by choosing to join a union. "I used to brag about how well Starbucks used to treat partners. However, at some point corporate stopped being interested in partner perspective. And once we stopped being heard, working conditions worsened and worsened," Griep said. "It became clear we were only partners by name. Starbucks Workers United finally gives us a voice again. It feels like we actually have a say in the direction of the company and we are very grateful for the support here and around the USA." On Monday, Hamilton Starbucks employees voted 8-3 in favor of being represented by Workers United. The same day, workers at the Summit Starbucks voted 7-3 to unionize, becoming the second and third New Jersey Starbucks to vote in favor of unionizing. Read More: 2 More NJ Starbucks Locations Vote To Join Union Starbucks employees in Hopewell became the first to unionize in the state on April 25. Read More: Mercer County Starbucks Becomes First To Unionize In NJ Murphy said he plans to crack down on employers who stand in the way of workers' ability to organize or even prevent workers from receiving adequate wages and benefits. "I made a stop in Hopewell Township to give my support to the men and women working at the Starbucks who had just a few days before voted unanimously to organize with Workers United. While they may be among the first in New Jersey, they won't be the last," Murphy said. "This is because we believe not just in the cause of labor, but the value of organized labor. That when workers come together under the union banner it's not just about creating a better day for themselves and their colleagues in the workplace, but for their families and their colleagues' families as well. We are committed to keeping the union door open to all." Wowkanech said workers in New Jersey have realized that joining a union helps level the playing field and raises their standard of living, through a collective bargaining agreement. "Our message here today to all the workers across the state of New Jersey, it's your time and your time is now." Since Starbucks in Buffalo became the first in the country to unionize, similar efforts spread across various stores in the country, with over 220 Starbucks stores seeking elections, as more are added every day. You can watch Tuesday's discussion here: Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.