Press Release

AFL-CIO President on Supreme Court Decision Concerning Starbucks Workers

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney:

The Supreme Court sided with corporate power over Starbucks baristas today in a direct attack on the fundamental freedom to organize a union on the job. The brave Memphis Seven faced harassment, intimidation and termination, and appropriately sought intervention from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which fought for an injunction that reinstated the workers. 

The NLRB exists to resolve labor disputes and ensure workers can exercise our right to join a union, free from intimidation and retaliation. The board obtained an injunction in federal district court to reinstate the Memphis Seven while deciding the case. The system worked as it is supposed to—until the Supreme Court got involved.

This decision sets a higher threshold for courts to reinstate workers who have been unfairly fired. In a system that is already stacked against workers, this will make it even harder for them to get back their jobs. We stand in solidarity with Starbucks Workers United, SEIU, and all our brothers, sisters, and siblings in the labor movement as we strive toward a future where all working people have the power to fight against corporate greed. 

Contact: Riley Lopez, 202-637-5018