Workers at a Starbucks location in Boston that had previously voted to unionize went on strike Monday.
The strike at the Starbucks located at 874 Commonwealth Avenue, near Boston University, began at 4:30 a.m. Monday, and will last until further notice, the workers said. Workers picketed in front of the Starbucks on Monday morning.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE
 |
Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
In a letter to the store manager and district manager, employees cited a slew of unfair labor practices enforced at the store since the store manager was temporarily assigned following the unionization efforts.
The letter, signed by Spencer Costigan and Topaz Leo, said that practices under the manager, Tomi Chorlian, have included threats, overly restrictive policies, denials of benefits and other alleged violations along with a "chaotic and hostile" work environment.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
The employees also wrote that hours for long-time employees at the location have been "aggressively cut" and shifts understaffed, all while numerous new employees have been hired. Chorlian doesn't align with Starbucks' mission, the employees wrote, in terms of "creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome," and sought a new manager
Starbucks told NBC10 Boston it is aware of the strike.
The company "values each of our partners and we respect their legal rights to engage in organizing activity or protest. We are grateful for each partner who did come into work today and we are doing our best to listen to the concerns of all our partners," a representative said in a statement.
