May 19, 2004
By SONI SANGHA
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Something's brewing at Starbucks - and it's not the coffee.
Unhappy workers want to unionize the java joint on Madison Ave. and 36th St. If successful, they will be the first baristas from the ubiquitous chain to unite.
They submitted union cards yesterday to the Industrial Workers of the World IU/660. Within 45 days, workers at that store will vote whether or not to join.
Starbucks officials said the attempt is isolated, but workers at the store said there is overwhelming enthusiasm to unionize.
"Behind the green aprons and smiles are individuals living in serious poverty," said barista Daniel Gross, 25.
Starbucks employees make $7.75 an hour, $2.60 over the minimum wage.
But Gross said it's not enough to live on. He also said his first raise at Starbucks came after he had been there six months. It was 14 cents, before taxes.
Besides pay, health issues are a concern.
"You can be pouring 160-degree milk," Gross said. "Not a day goes by where scalding-hot liquid doesn't hit you somewhere on your hands or arms."
Though they can get health benefits, the insurance isn't enough, said one employee.
"When I was pregnant, it wasn't enough to pay the bills," said Maureen Medianero, 23.
With a 1-year-old daughter at home, she said she can only work two days a week and had to be on Medicaid to get adequate insurance.
Yet a nationwide survey of Starbucks workers indicated a nearly 90% satisfaction rate, company officials said.
"We respect the free choice of our partners. We don't have a role in the decisions they have made," Starbucks spokeswoman Audrey Lincoff said. "But we believe that what we offer in terms of a total pay package and the work environment is the best possible."