Statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Investors on US Supreme Court ruling in Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney

New York, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Trillium Asset Management and PIRC, today released a statement following the US Supreme Court ruling in Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney, Regional Director of Region 15 of the National Labor Relations Board.

The statement is as follows:

“As long-term Starbucks investors we are deeply disappointed that Starbucks pursued this challenge to the standards federal courts must apply when considering NLRB requests to reinstate workers. We are concerned that it will have a chilling effect on workers’ exercise of their rights to form or join a union potentially hindering collaborative interactions between corporate management and employees. A growing number of investors recognize that the stability of the workforce and positive labor relations benefit a company’s culture and are linked to favorable financial outcomes for businesses.

“We have engaged Starbucks for over two years regarding our serious concern over its approach to fundamental worker rights. In February, it seemed Starbucks was seeking to turn the page when it reached a pivotal agreement between Starbucks and Workers United, laying the groundwork for contract negotiations. Further progress was evident in June, with the parties reaching another set of specific agreements.

“Starbucks faces major decisions as it continues to set the tone for ongoing labor relations. As it moves forward, and deliberates on its next board appointment following the departure of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the company should seek a board member (or board members) with experience overseeing robust and positive relations with its workforce.

“We call on Starbucks to continue a constructive path regardless of today’s decision, just as we call on other public companies to seek collaborative relationships with their workforce in the wake of this decision.”

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