The Surge of Unionized Starbucks Locations: A Visual Transformation from 2021 to 2022

The evolving landscape of unionized Starbucks locations across the United States is strikingly captured in a compelling image that contrasts the situation in 2021 with that in 2022. This visual representation, consisting of two maps placed one above the other, uses green shading to highlight states with unionized Starbucks locations, offering a clear depiction of the significant changes over the course of a year.

The top map, titled "Unionized Starbucks in 2021," reveals a solitary green state, New York. This indicates that New York was the only state with unionized Starbucks locations at that time. Fast forward to 2022, and the bottom map, titled "Unionized Starbucks in 2022," tells a vastly different story. The states shaded green have expanded considerably, now including New York, M****chusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.

This increase in green-shaded states between 2021 and 2022 showcases the growing movement toward unionization within Starbucks locations across the country. Commenters have shared their varied perspectives on this transformation. One user noted, "SB is literally the best drug dealer in history. They can afford to pay folks." Another comment highlights the strategic delays by Starbucks, stating, "SB is stalling because once negotiations start, nothing can be done without consent or until after negotiations are concluded."

The conversation also includes concerns about union-busting practices. A user shared, "They shut down the SB I worked at when they tried to unionize. The manager was told that he’d quit and then the company 'didn’t renew their lease on the building'. But we all know what happened." Another added, "Funny coincidence, the Starbucks down the street from me got closed for renovations the moment staff started picketing outside the store."

Support for local coffee shops over Starbucks was another common theme. One user expressed, "SB sucks anyway. Find a local roaster that treats their employees well and has much better espresso." This sentiment was echoed by another commenter who said, "I'd rather Starbucks just go away. Let local coffee shops corner the market in their areas."

The maps demonstrate not only the progress but also the ongoing challenges faced by employees striving for unionization. As one user optimistically put it, "Progress!" while another cynically noted, "Tall union vs grande union."

This visual and the accompanying discussion underscore the dynamic and often contentious nature of labor relations within major corporations like Starbucks. The expanded green map of 2022 reflects a broader trend towards unionization, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power between employees and corporate management.

For those invested in the future of labor rights and corporate accountability, these maps provide a powerful snapshot of change, inspiring both support and criticism. The journey of Starbucks employees toward unionization is far from over, and the nation's map may continue to turn greener in the years to come.