NORMAN, Okla. — Starbucks workers in Norman are celebrating a decisive union victory this week, marking a powerful moment in a nationwide labor movement that is pushing for racial equity, fair wages and workplace protections at the stores.
On April 10th, baristas at the Mt Williams Dr & 24th Ave NW location voted 15-2 to unionize with Starbucks Workers United, making it the second unionized store in Norman and the sixth across Oklahoma.
The victory aligns the Norman team with over 570 stores across 45 states and Washington, D.C., that have successfully organized under Starbucks Workers United. More than 11,000 baristas are demanding that the company finalize contracts, addressing core issues such as racial and gender equity, scheduling fairness and living wages.
“Winning the union election feels so gratifying and empowering,” said Aedan Elizondo, a barista of seven years. “I’m so grateful to my coworkers for all the time and effort they’ve put in to get us here. We know that together we are strong!”
Peer-to-peer organizing powers momentum
This union election is part of a nationwide surge in peer-to-peer organizing. Since Starbucks and Workers United announced a new path forward in February 2024, baristas at more than 170 locations have joined the movement. From Chicago and Seattle to Long Island and St. Cloud, baristas across the country are fighting for dignity on the job—and winning, even in Oklahoma.
For Mazee Bookout, a barista of one and a half years, unionizing is about strengthening the sense of community workers already built.
“Winning the union felt amazing not only for myself but for my fellow partners at the store. They put in so much work daily to make our store a family, and unionizing will only make our family stronger.”
Baristas demand change as Starbucks union grows
The momentum comes amid heightened tensions with the coffee giant. On April 1, baristas at numerous locations staged a work stoppage to protest what they say are union-busting tactics by Starbucks. Workers United has filed over 90 unfair labor practice charges against the company this year alone, after accusations that Starbucks backtracked on previously agreed commitments to collective bargaining.
“Winning the union election is beyond encouraging,” said Nao Gomez (they/them), a barista of three and a half years. “Coming together as a team working for one goal was an adventure filled with so much companionship and support… we fought for our rights to be protected, and we were not scared to use our voice.”
Following the release of this article, Starbucks sent the Black Wall Street Times an emailed statement.
“At Starbucks, our success starts and ends with our partners (employees). We respect our partners right to choose, through a fair and democratic process, to be represented by a union or not to be represented by a union and will continue to work together to make Starbucks the best job in retail.”
Community support meets corporate pushback
Leading up to the company’s March shareholders meeting, baristas and community allies organized more than 100 demonstrations nationwide—ranging from “sip-ins” to peaceful civil disobedience. At rallies in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago, 16 people were arrested. Earlier this year in Brooklyn, union baristas protested store closures and stalled negotiations by walking out alongside elected officials.
As Oklahoma continues to navigate its relationship with organized labor, Norman’s latest Starbucks victory adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding change—not just for coffee workers, but for all frontline laborers seeking justice.
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