A group of Starbucks (SBUX) shareholders is pressuring the coffee chain giant’s board over what it said are sustained oversight failures of labor relations, according to Business Insider.
The group of long-term investors is asking other shareholders to vote against the reelection of Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the lead independent director, and Beth Ford, the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee.
Seattle-based Starbucks (SBUX) is still embroiled in a labor dispute with the Starbucks Workers United union. Contract negotiations that began in early 2024 have stalled, with the union demanding higher pay (a $20/hour base with 5% annual raises), better staffing, more consistent schedules, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges. In November, workers launched the “Red Cup Rebellion” strike, which expanded to over 670 stores and 12,000 workers as of early 2026. Workers have filed over 125 new unfair labor practice charges since January 2025, and Starbucks paid a record $38.9 million settlement to New York City over workweek law violations.
“We have a world-class board of directors with deep, relevant expertise, who are supporting our management team in driving a business turnaround,” stated a Starbucks spokesperson on the developments. The company also continues to defend its workplace policies, employee benefits, and wage structure.
Shares of Starbucks (SBUX) are up more than 13% on a year-to-date basis.