(AMHERST, NEW YORK) - Starbucks Workers employed at the Transit Commons Store in the Buffalo Suburb of Amherst went out on Strike over the weekend - beginning on Saturday (July 23rd), in response to increasing amounts of alleged bullying, harassment, hours cuts and threats from numerous corporate figures, including Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, to withhold raises and benefits from Unionized stores in retaliation for trying to improve their workplace. 

All Workers employed at Transit Commons went on Strike at the store, which is currently closed due to the work action.

Workers at Starbucks’ Transit Commons Store won their Union Election on July 11th (2022) in a vote count of 11-to1. 

The striking Transit Commons Workers released the following statements prior to the Strike:

Barista Noelle Abdallah: “When long-standing partners of eight-to-ten years quickly exit the company due to being antagonized by multiple support managers, it’s one step towards recognizing that there is something systematically wrong with the way that Starbucks as a corporation is conducting themselves towards their Partners.  We love being Partners for one another in the store and removing the trust and sincerity in our leadership has led us Partners to become unsettled with their security in position.”

Barista Cole Graziano: “Constantly dreading going into work because of how uncomfortable your manager makes you regarding gender identity and more is disgusting, unacceptable and doesn't coincide with Starbucks’ professed inclusivity values.”

Barista Brooke Rohloff: “We’re expected to close with two people and are not given the proper staffing, resources or support to successfully run the store. We’re then blamed for not meeting times and standards at the store.  Conveniently, our manager closes the store at the slightest provocation.”

Barista Hannah Gardner: “The manager at the Transit Common store spread lies to a customer about a medical condition that I have.  It’s unacceptable for a manager to act in such a disrespectful way towards partners.”