(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) –National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Administrative Law Judge Robert Ringler issued an almost 60-page decision this week that found Starbucks in violation of Federal Labor Law in dozens of instances, including illegally terminating Employees Sam Amato, Tatiayna Gurskiy, Sariah Hakes, Cole Graziano, Victoria Conklin, Allegra Anastasi, Connor Mauche, and Jovan Draves, and constructively discharging Jaz Brisack.

Judge Ringler ordered The Coffee Giant to reinstate the Buffalo-based Workers and provide them with back pay and other economic damages. 

In addition, Judge Ringler found Starbucks violated the law so egregiously at its Penfield, New York store that the Union’s Election loss is being set aside, and a new election is being ordered. 

“Starbucks showed us how right we were to form a Union by illegally firing me and my Co-Workers,” said Connor Mauche, one of the illegally fired Starbucks Workers. “Without a Union, we had no rights.  What every Worker needs is collective bargaining.  All Workers deserve the ability to exercise their rights free from fear and retaliation.” 

“I’m glad that so many people are boycotting Starbucks,” said Victoria Conklin, another one of the illegally fired Workers. “It feels so great to know that Starbucks is being held accountable for their actions both by the public and the courts.  I look forward to the day I get to walk back into my store, put my green apron on and continue fighting for my rights - despite Starbucks’ best efforts to stop me.”

In addition to those findings, the Judge found Starbucks violated Federal Labor Law by threatening to close the first Unionized Starbucks location in Buffalo after Workers there went on Strike, and by making various other threats and operational changes with the aim of stopping Union Organizing throughout Buffalo.

This ruling is a monumental victory for all Workers, Starbucks Workers United Representatives said, because it exposes Starbucks’ scorched earth attempts to destroy the Union Campaign by systematically firing and retaliating against Union Leaders, and it highlights Workers’ ability to fight back and prevail.