West End Starbucks Employees Vote to Unionize

Employees at the Starbucks on King Avenue West in Billings have voted to unionize, marking a significant development in Montana's labor landscape.

 

Allysha Biggs, a Coffee Master at the store, expressed optimism about the decision.

 

"It's brought everyone back to a point where it almost feels like we have hope again for coming to work," she said.

 

Biggs emphasized that the move isn't about seeking higher wages but about fostering a better work environment and reducing turnover.

 

"We're doing it to have a better environment in general and to have support from leadership because that's something we've been lacking in the last year," she added.

 

In response, a Starbucks spokesperson stated, "At Starbucks, our success starts and ends with our partners (employees). We respect our partners' right to choose, through a fair and democratic process, to be represented by a union or not to be represented by a union."

 

Customers have shown support for the employees' decision.

 

William Willis, a frequent patron, commented, "I think it's a great idea because they have rights. Larger companies can impede their employees' rights without proper representation."

 

If the union vote is certified, this Starbucks will be the third in Montana to unionize, following two locations in Missoula.

 

Biggs found the unionization process more straightforward than anticipated.

 

"A lot of it has been blown out of proportion or made to be scarier than it is. I think it's very reasonable that we can come to negotiations and a good contract between us and corporate, where no one has to lose," she said.

 

The vote is expected to be finalized on Thursday evening.