Year Established: 1971
Store Closures: 23 (But Re-Opening Soon, Possibly)*
This popular chain closed around two-dozen stores in 2022, but they will possibly have to re-open them, thanks to a 2024 update. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that Starbucks’ closure of 23 stores in 2022, including three locations actively involved in union organizing efforts, was in violation of federal labor laws. This decision underscores the legal boundaries companies must navigate when making operational changes amidst labor organizing activities.
The closures were deemed an illegal retaliation against unionization efforts, highlighting the tension between corporate strategies and workers’ rights to organize. This ruling represents a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on labor rights and unionization within the United States, particularly within the retail and service sectors.