Starbucks workers in San Antonio win unanimous union victory

San Antonio, Texas - Another Starbucks store in Texas had their union election ballot count on Tuesday. TAG24 was on the ground in San Antonio to watch partners win big!

Starbucks partners at the Houston and St. Mary’s store celebrate their unanimous union election victory.
Starbucks partners at the Houston and St. Mary’s store celebrate their unanimous union election victory.  © TAG24 / Kaitlyn Kennedy

The Houston and St. Mary’s store in San Antonio had their day in the sun after filing for a union election in March.

As the National Labor Relations Board held ballots up to the screen, workers smiled and clapped as the "yes" votes kept rolling in.

They ended up winning the election with a unanimous 13-0 vote, becoming the second store in San Antonio and fourth store in Texas to unionize.

After the tally, organizing committee members shared with TAG24 what the result means to them and next steps for their store.

"I’m feeling super inspired," said a local partner named Dominique. "I don’t think any of us are too surprised, but it’s still a win at the end of the day."

"We had high participation and it was unanimous. That was all I wanted," her co-worker Sarah added.

"I’m just excited we don’t have to worry about all of the union-busting," another partner named Blaize laughed.

While they still anticipate difficulties with the company, Blaize, Dominique, and Sarah agreed that things will definitely be "less scary" going forward.

Next steps for the union

San Antonio Starbucks workers raise their fists alongside Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (l.).
San Antonio Starbucks workers raise their fists alongside Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (l.).  © TAG24 / Kaitlyn Kennedy

Now that workers have won their union, they will begin the fight for a fair contract.

"I know we have a lot of stuff to talk about, but I’m excited to have a say," Sarah said of her store’s next stage.

"Let’s hope they actually bargain with us," Blaize said as all three laughed.

Despite the long road ahead, Dominique hoped her store’s victory would send a message to other Starbucks locations: "I know there are a lot of stores out there who are super iffy about the support that they’ll get or the lack of support they think that they have, so I hope today is another way of showing that it’s okay, you’re going to be fine. There’s help out there if you want it or if you need it."

In the meantime, San Antonio partners don’t think they’ll get over the joy of winning their union anytime soon.

"We’ll probably never stop talking about it for a while," Dominique joked.

Cover photo: TAG24 / Kaitlyn Kennedy

More on Activism: