Starbucks accused of union-busting over their recent attempts to halt board elections nationwide
Maybe we reconsider where we're getting our PSLs this fall...
Recent drama surrounding the popular chain have customers questioning the ethics of this American coffee staple
According to the National Labor Relations Board, over 220 Starbucks locations in the United States have voted to unionize their workers, but elections have been suspended after Starbucks corporate recently alleged misconduct in voting procedures.
On Monday, Starbucks penned a letter to the NLRB directly accusing the Kansas City area chapter of inappropriate practices that they believe have likely affected other elections of the same agenda– namely those in Buffalo, New York and Seattle, Washington.
Activists are speaking up, claiming that Starbucks is acting in bad faith and that the disruption of unionization efforts will not silence their voices as the lifeblood of the company.
Some activists have even held an “Un-Birthday Party” for Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to protest alleged unfair measures taken against those who wish to unionize.
Starbucks is “categorically” denying claims that the 72 recently-fired employees were discharged over their efforts to unionize, but employees are singing a different tune.
Store employees are expecting the quality of the store’s product quality to decrease as the conflict persists. They claim that the success of the brand relies on its backbone – the cheerful and charismatic baristas who service the daily commuters and neighborhood regulars. They insist they deserve the advocacy that unions provide.
What does this mean for us customers?
Perhaps it’s time to reconsider where you’ll be getting your PSL this fall.
If you’re looking for delicious alternatives to the fall-favorites on the Starbucks menu, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some drink options from stores you can be proud of supporting (all with oat milk options, don’t worry):
Dunkin’ Donuts
This nationwide fave just released its fall menu and we are psyched! If you loved the Pumpkin Cold Brew from last year, you’ll be happy to know that it’s back alongside other familiar seasonal staples like their Pumpkin Spice Signature latte, and new items such as the Blood Orange Dunkin Refresher and Nutty Pumpkin Coffee (which is exactly what I’ll be ordering FIRST thing tomorrow morning).
Gregorys Coffee
You can always count on Gregorys for their edgy takes on the classics – with item names that will make you chuckle, no matter how miserable your commute may be.
In addition to their Pumpkin Spice Latte they’ll also be serving a custom tea blend they’ve named “My Cousin Vinny”, which contains “a dynamic blend of allspice, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and English breakfast tea.”
Most notably they’ve created a beverage called “Hot In Here”, which is fitting considering its espresso is infused with habanero peppers. Too adventurous? Not for us…
Panera Bread
Sometimes cafes are knocked for making their PSLs a little too sweet for comfort, and this one is no exception, but for all you sweet-tooths out there, consider this one of the best options. They use vanilla bean powder in their recipe (like Starbucks’ version) which is considered to be the secret ingredient in an ideal Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, try requesting it without the powder. That’ll help cut back on any sugar crash if you’re susceptible to that sort of thing.
Making your latte at home? We have some tips.
Remember the TikTok-famous Dalgona Coffee; a Korean staple that went massively viral in 2020 under the nickname “Frothy Coffee”.
Take equal parts instant coffee (my favorite is Cafe Bustelo), sugar and hot water, combine and whip with a whisk or hand mixer until the mixture forms medium-firm peaks.
That’s your coffee base.
Once the whipped mixture is ready, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour the contents on top along with a half cup of whatever milk you prefer. To give it the fall treatment, add cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, and nutmeg to taste before shaking it up. The result should be a thick and creamy latte that will have you questioning why you buy that $5-$7 coffee in the first place.
Have your own take on the recipe? Comment your coffee hacks below or sign up as a contributor and publish your own on GoodFeed.com!
via CNBC, Eat This Not That, Gregorys Coffee, and Mashed