Starbucks Workers in Davenport Unionize – Will Other Iowa Locations Follow?

In a bold move that might just become the stuff of coffee shop legend, eighteen workers at the Starbucks on East 53rd Street in Davenport filed with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize in May. Out of 17 eligible voters, 16 cast their ballots—and an impressive 15 of them said “yes” to the union, brewing up a resounding victory for the team.

With this triumph, there are now two unionized Starbucks locations in Iowa. Last year, the Clinton and Burlington stores in Iowa City also voted to unionize, joining the ranks of over 460 stores across the country as part of Starbucks Workers United. It’s safe to say that the union’s “coffee” cup is running over with success!

Why did they decide to unionize?

The drive for a union in Davenport was sparked by frustrations over the company’s transition from a laid-back café vibe to a high-pressure, metrics-driven environment. Baristas were feeling the strain of increased responsibilities without any extra support, and it was brewing up a storm of discontent.

The idea of unionizing first percolated in the fall of 2021 but was put on hold due to shifting managers and the opening of new stores. However, when a particularly challenging interim manager stirred the pot, it reignited the workers’ resolve to make a change. Their renewed enthusiasm turned into serious action, and soon enough, they were on their way to creating a historic moment for their store.

One of the most significant challenges was explaining what exactly a union was to their mostly 20-something colleagues. After a little bit of explaining and a lot of coffee-fueled conversations, the idea took hold, and the support for the union vote was as strong as a double espresso.

The results of the vote were a sweet success, proving just how united and determined the workers were. The overwhelming approval was a satisfying moment, showing the company just how strong their collective voice could be.

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What’s next for the Davenport Starbucks team? Their next big challenge is negotiating a contract with the company—a process that is already underway. For those inspired by their success and looking to make a change at their own Starbucks, there are resources available to help you get started or show your support.

Whether you’re looking to organize or just want to stand in solidarity with the movement, there’s a wealth of support waiting for you. So grab a coffee, get involved, and see where this union buzz takes you!