RELEASE: RO KHANNA LEADS LETTER WITH 30 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALLING ON STARBUCKS CEO HOWARD SCHULTZ TO SUPPORT FAIR BARGAINING PROCESS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), Deputy Whip of the Progressive Caucus, sent a letter signed by 30 members of Congress to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz requesting a fair bargaining process for all Starbucks employees. The lawmakers' request comes after reports filed by the National Labor Relations Board stating that Starbucks withheld pay and an increase in benefits from workers actively unionizing across 242 stores in the US.

"The country welcomed Starbucks' announcement of $200 million in added worker pay and benefits at a moment when American workers are struggling to make ends meet," wrote the lawmakers. "However, we have a concern about reports that pay increases and benefits are only being offered to non unionized stores. If accurate, such disparate treatment could set an alarming precedent that, in our opinion, is not consistent with U.S. labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act."

"As elected representatives, our conviction is that a fair relationship between an employee and an employer is key to a strong and resilient American economy, and we support legislation that encourages these policies. We hope you give our concerns your full and fair consideration," they continued.

The letter also comes after Rep. Khanna's meeting last month with Michelle Eisen, Organizing Member of Starbucks United, to hear about the unionization efforts and discuss the urgency of passing the PRO Act in Congress to protect the right to unionize.

Find the full text of the letter below:

October 3, 2022

Howard Schultz
Chief Executive Officer
Starbucks Coffee Company
2401 Utah Avenue South
Seattle, WA. 98134

cc: Starbucks Workers United

Dear Mr. Schultz,

We, as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, write with great concern regarding recent reports
filed by the National Labor Relations Board stating Starbucks withheld pay and an increase in benefits
from workers actively unionizing across 242 stores nationwide. As workers renegotiate the compact
between employee and employer across workplaces nationwide, we encourage both parties to work
together, mend differences and unite to help build an economy that works for everyone.

The country welcomed Starbucks' announcement of $200 million in added worker pay and benefits at a
moment when American workers are struggling to make ends meet. In addition, we believe efforts by
Starbucks to increase pay and benefits, including training, career development opportunities, enhanced
tipping and other benefits are necessary tenets to investing in and retaining a strong workforce.

However, we have a concern about reports that pay increases and benefits are only being offered to non-
unionized stores. If accurate, such disparate treatment could set an alarming precedent that, in our
opinion, is not consistent with U.S. labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act.

As elected representatives, our conviction is that a fair relationship between an employee and an
employer is key to a strong and resilient American economy, and we support legislation that encourages
these policies. We hope you give our concerns your full and fair consideration.

Sincerely,