North Side Starbucks Eyes Unionization, Aiming to Become Tucson’s Third Location

A Starbucks store on West Ina Road near North Oracle Road is poised to potentially become Tucson’s third unionized location if employees vote in favor of union representation on July 14. The workers at 639 W. Ina Rd. submitted their petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on June 9.

Marissa van Rhijn, a shift supervisor at the store, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming election. “We’re very excited to have our election,” she stated. “We have high hopes for good voter turnout, and we’re hoping that we can join the bargaining along with the other stores.” The employees aim for improved wages and staffing, hoping to inspire other stores considering unionization.

The store at University Boulevard and Euclid Avenue was the first in Tucson to join Starbucks Workers United, achieving 11-3 support in June 2022. A second location inside the University of Arizona bookstore followed suit in July of the same year.

Despite past accusations of unfair labor practices from the NLRB against Starbucks, van Rhijn noted that their experience at the Ina and Oracle store has been largely positive, with no significant pushback from the company. “It doesn’t have to be an uphill fight,” she remarked.

Starbucks Workers United currently represents over 600 locations nationwide, with the first successful unionization occurring at a Starbucks in Buffalo, N.Y. in 2021. A Starbucks spokesperson acknowledged the employees’ rights, emphasizing their commitment to a fair and democratic process regarding union representation.