Overview
A group of United Nations human-rights experts has formally requested that Starbucks and the U.S. government respond to allegations that employees who sought to organize have faced a sustained campaign of pressure and mistreatment. The request appears in a March 10 letter made public this week by the U.N. human-rights office.
Allegations outlined in the U.N. letter
The letter says experts received information alleging ongoing and widespread threats, harassment and intimidation directed at Starbucks workers involved in union activity beginning in 2021. Among the claims described, the letter cites incidents across multiple U.S. states in which law enforcement was called on employees engaged in picketing, leafleting and other protest activities.
According to the experts, the conduct alleged in those reports could amount to violations of rights protected under international law - specifically the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Bargaining status and company position
The letter arrives amid a fragile bargaining climate. Negotiations between Starbucks and its unionized baristas - who the company says represent roughly 4% of U.S. stores - broke down in early 2025 but have recently resumed. Starbucks has stated it is actively engaging with the union in good faith and submitted a proposal for a collective bargaining agreement.
In describing its offer, the company said the proposal builds on what it describes as already competitive wages and industry-leading benefits. The benefits cited by the company include healthcare coverage and college support for eligible employees.
Next steps and context
The U.N. experts' letter requests formal responses from both Starbucks and the U.S. government to address the allegations presented to them. The letter itself, as released by the U.N. human-rights office, does not adjudicate the claims but sets out the experts' view that the reported actions could raise concerns under international human-rights norms.
With bargaining resumed and the U.N. inquiry seeking clarifications, the situation remains in flux while parties provide responses and continue talks.
Note: The article summarizes information contained in a March 10 letter issued by the U.N. human-rights office and public statements attributed to the company regarding bargaining and benefits.