STARBUCKS workers in three New York outlets could become the first in the global coffee chain to form a union after filing papers with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) earlier this week.

Employees at the stores in the Buffalo region of New York state said they wanted to unionise, citing a chaotic work environment, erratic hours and difficulty in taking sick leave during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The workers, numbering between 20 and 30 in each of the three outlets, penned an open letter to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson on behalf of the Starbucks Workers United organising committee.

“We see unions as the best way to make Starbucks a place to have a sustainable career and a true partnership,” the letter said. 

“We do not see our desire to organise as a reaction to specific policies, but as a commitment to making Starbucks, Buffalo and the world a better place.

“We are organising a union to have a voice on the job, a say in the company, and the right to negotiate a fair contract,” Starbucks Workers United said.

Voting is set to take place in two weeks, with workers insisting that the poll should take place on a workplace-by-workplace basis. 

Starbucks bosses are however believed to be considering a bid for a statewide vote to try to block unionisation.

Responding to Starbucks Workers United, the company said that it encourages all staff to take time off work if they develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.

“While Starbucks respects the free choice of our partners, we firmly believe that our work environment, coupled with our outstanding compensation and benefits, makes unions unnecessary at Starbucks. 

“We respect our partners’ right to organise, but believe that they would not find it necessary given our pro-partner environment,” a Starbucks spokesman said.

But Starbucks Workers United spokesperson insisted it was pressing ahead with its campaign for union recognition today, despite the claims by company bosses.

“Our voices, as Starbucks baristas, will matter when we have the ability to negotiate a fair contract as equal partners,” the organising committee said.

Their unionisation campaign has drawn national support from other trade unionists and US politicians.

United Farm Workers said in a message of solidarity: “Every worker deserves to have a voice in their workplace. From the fields to the streets, the workers who keep this country running should stand together.”

Follow the campaign via Twitter: @SBWorkersUnited.