Portland Starbucks Workers Optimistic About Union Vote on Oct. 17

Workers at the Starbucks coffee shop on Middle Street in Portland are scheduled to have their union election with the National Labor Relations Board on Monday, Oct. 17. In August, Portland members of Starbucks Workers United filed to become the second unionized Starbucks in Maine following the success of Biddeford baristas in forming the first union at the coffee chain in the state last spring.

"I’m feeling extremely optimistic about the election,” said Portland barista Mandie Cantrell, one of the leaders of the organizing effort. “We have the majority we need as well as an amazing group of individuals who understand how powerful the movement is. It’s important that the will of workers is respected and recognized."

In a letter to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, the Portland baristas wrote that they are forming a union because they want to have a stronger voice to bargain for better wages to keep up with the cost of living and more of say in scheduling.