4th Starbucks location in Alabama votes to unionize
Organizers say they want to join the union to have better hours, improve staffing, have higher take-home pay and more.
Mason Reed 
Another group of Starbucks employees has officially moved to organize, marking a significant milestone for labor movements in the state. Baristas at the Muscle Shoals location, situated at the intersection of Highway 72 and Avalon Ave., voted 13-1 to join Starbucks Workers United (SBWU).
Expanding Reach in Alabama
This victory represents the 700th unionized Starbucks store across the country and serves as the fourth location in Alabama to take this step. The Muscle Shoals shop joins previously organized stores in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Scottsboro.
Motivation Behind the Vote
For the workers, the decision to unionize was driven by a need for stability and better working conditions. Sara Gattis, a shift supervisor with nine months of experience at the shop, noted that the store faced repeated issues that were either ignored or left unresolved for extended periods. She stated that the staff is seeking to feel safe and empowered in their daily roles.
Organizers are clear about their goals: they aim to secure improved staffing levels, more reliable hours, and higher take-home pay for employees. Their efforts align with a larger national trend, as Starbucks Workers United reports that baristas have successfully won a union election roughly every two days since the movement kicked off in late 2021.
This Muscle Shoals development is part of a broader surge of union victories appearing in states like Tennessee, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for further updates on this developing story.
