Brookline Starbucks Baristas Striking For Better Working Conditions

BROOKLINE, MA — Unionized Starbucks baristas at 874 Comm Ave in Brookline are striking Monday due to unfair labor practices, according to Boston Starbucks Workers United.

The store, which voted to unionize last month, has a picket line outside from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to protest unfair labor practices.

In a letter to management announcing the strike, employees said they “have been subjected to not only a slew of unfair labor practices, but also a chaotic and hostile work environment.”

The strikers allege that Tomi Chorlian, a Store Manager temporarily assigned to 874 Comm Ave, is responsible for these issues, claiming that she has made "illegal threats of discipline or termination of employees,” cut hours for long-time employees while understaffing shifts and continuing to hirenew employees, and made schedule changes with no notice.

"Ms. Chorlian does not align with Starbucks' proposed mission and value of 'creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome,’ by perpetuating harmful and offensive rhetoric with respect to the race, gender, and orientation of both our partners and customers,” the baristas wrote.

The workers said they will “strike until further notice” and are demanding that management terminate Chorlian from her current position and be required to go through further training.

In addition, they are asking the company to review labor needs with workers on a monthly basis to ensure that shifts are adequately staffed.