We are so inspired by Starbucks Workers United! While Senator Bernie Sanders questions Howard Schultz about his anti-union actions, members of Starbucks Workers United continue their just campaign to win their union.
On August 23rd, 2021, 50 Starbucks workers in Buffalo, NY, wrote the first “Dear Kevin” letter to former Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, announcing their intention to organize. Since then, more than 7,500 workers at over 280 stores in the US have won union elections.
In March 2023, workers from more than 100 stores walked out ahead of the annual shareholder meeting to protest the company’s aggressive anti-union efforts. The workers risk being fired, having their benefits withheld, their schedules cut and other forms of retaliation. Despite the retaliation, Starbucks Workers United continues to grow and inspire workers in other retail stores to fight for fair wages and just treatment by organizing. These workers are so determined and we are truly in awe of their powerful organizing for justice. In their statement of principles, they state that, “We believe that the best way to truly inspire and nourish the human spirit is to organize for greater justice, greater equality, and a greater vision of what life can be….” With their vision and organizing, we know a different world is possible.
To read about the other honorees, click below:
For their visionary and powerful climate justice work:
- Sunrise Movement, accepted by Executive Director Varshini Prakash
- Climate Justice Alliance, accepted by co-director, Ozawa Bineshi Albert
For their life-changing reproductive freedom work:
For their tireless work to enact economic justice:
- 9to5 & 925 SEIU, accepted by Ellen Cassedy, Karen Nussbaum and other leaders from 9to5
- Starbucks Workers United
Presenting Sponsor
Direct Action Sponsor
Strategy Sponsor
Progressive Sponsors
Champions of Justice Sponsors
Norbert Goldfield
Megan Hull
Friends of the Academy Sponsors
Heather Booth*
Jeff Blum & Ellen Cassedy
Everett Foundation
Cathy Hurwit
Jackie Kendall*
Kweli Kitwana
Mike Lux and Barbara Laur
David Medina* & Tim DeMagistris
Eddy Morales* & Hugh Harris
Nick Nyhart & Kathleen McTigue
Public Citizen
Karen Thomas**
*Current Board member
**Former Executive Director