Starbucks

Starbucks workers unionized at record speed. But workers are now filing fewer unionization petitions, one year on.

Hardcore Starbucks fans eagerly await the day the coffee company gives out limited-edition holiday cups. The union organizing Starbucks workers hope those same customers will help support their cause.

Workers at the coffee emporium had voted 16-1 to unionize this past May.

The first Starbucks union was formed in Buffalo, N.Y. a year ago, launching what has since become a nationwide organizing campaign

The National Labor Relations Board is asking a court to reinstate seven Starbucks workers in Buffalo, N.Y. who were allegedly fired illegally because they were involved in union organizing.

A federal judge in Arizona ruled that Starbucks did not have to reinstate or give accommodations to three employees who claim they were retaliated against for organizing a union.

Starbucks gave the employees at the College Ave. location in Ithaca, N.Y., a one-week notice of the closure, the union says, with the store slated to permanently close on June 10.

Two Jacksonville Starbucks stores voted to unionize Tuesday, following a Tallahassee Starbucks that was the first to unionize in Florida last week.

A Tallahassee Starbucks on John Knox and North Monroe became the first Florida location Tuesday to unionize. Employees voted 16-1 in favor of unionization.

On an investor call, Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz said the company was investing $1 billion to raise wages, enhance benefits and modernize stores. But unionized stores won't get some of that.

Federal officials asked the court to have the employees reinstated. At least 28 Starbucks stores across the country have voted to form a union.

Once seen as among the most generous of employers, Starbucks is now grappling with disillusionment among its workers. Since December, 20 stores have unionized with more filing for elections every day.