On August 8, 2025, a new chapter in the ongoing labor movement among American service workers unfolded, as Starbucks employees at two separate locations made significant strides toward unionization. At the Merle Hay Starbucks in Des Moines, Iowa, workers voted to unionize, marking a notable victory for labor organizers in the Midwest. Meanwhile, baristas at a Starbucks store in Bellevue, Washington, publicly announced their intention to unionize, adding momentum to a national wave that has been building over the past several years.
The Des Moines vote is especially significant given Iowa’s traditionally conservative labor climate, where union victories are often hard-won. According to USA TODAY, the Merle Hay store’s employees cast their ballots in favor of joining a union, signaling a growing desire among service workers for greater bargaining power and improved workplace conditions. The successful vote in Des Moines follows a string of similar efforts at Starbucks locations across the country, but each new victory adds fresh energy to the movement.
“This is about having a real voice at work and being able to advocate for ourselves and our customers,” said one Merle Hay barista, echoing sentiments shared by Starbucks workers nationwide. The vote in Des Moines underscores a shift in worker attitudes, with employees seeking not just higher wages, but also more predictable schedules, better benefits, and a seat at the table when it comes to decisions affecting their day-to-day lives.
Just hours after the Des Moines vote, baristas at a Starbucks in Bellevue, Washington, made their own announcement: they, too, plan to unionize. The Bellevue workers’ declaration adds to the growing roster of Starbucks stores whose employees are seeking collective bargaining rights. According to USA TODAY, the Bellevue announcement came after a period of internal discussion and organizing, reflecting a methodical approach to building consensus among staff.
The timing of these developments is no coincidence. Over the last few years, the push for unionization at Starbucks has gained traction, with hundreds of stores nationwide either voting to unionize or expressing intent to do so. The movement has been fueled by a combination of factors: pandemic-era workplace stresses, heightened awareness of labor rights, and a broader national conversation about income inequality and worker empowerment.
Starbucks, for its part, has maintained that it values its employees and offers competitive pay and benefits. However, many workers feel that promises made by the company have not always matched their experiences on the ground. Issues such as unpredictable scheduling, understaffing, and the pressures of high customer volume have left some employees feeling burned out and unheard.
“We love our jobs and our customers, but we want to make sure our voices are respected and that we have the support we need to do our best,” said a Bellevue barista involved in the organizing effort. The statement reflects a common refrain among Starbucks workers: the desire for a collaborative relationship with management, rather than an adversarial one.
The unionization efforts at Starbucks have not gone unnoticed by corporate leadership. In recent months, the company has held a series of meetings with employees, emphasizing its commitment to listening and responding to worker concerns. Still, labor organizers argue that only a formal union can guarantee workers the protections and negotiating power they seek.
Historically, unionization in the food and beverage industry has been an uphill battle. Low union density, high turnover, and a workforce that skews young have all contributed to the challenges facing organizers. Yet, the Starbucks movement has bucked these trends, inspiring workers at other coffee chains, fast-food restaurants, and retail outlets to consider similar action.
National labor leaders have hailed the victories in Des Moines and Bellevue as evidence that the tide is turning. “Every store that unionizes sends a message to workers everywhere: you have the right to organize and demand better,” said a spokesperson for a major union federation. The spokesperson added that the movement’s grassroots nature—led by rank-and-file baristas rather than outside organizers—has been key to its success.
While the Merle Hay vote was a clear win, the path forward for both Des Moines and Bellevue workers is far from settled. Next comes the process of negotiating a first contract, a stage that can be fraught with challenges. Employers often push back during contract negotiations, and it can take months or even years to reach an agreement. Still, workers at both locations say they are prepared for the long haul.
The ripple effects of these unionization efforts are already being felt beyond Starbucks. Other service industry workers are watching closely, and some have begun to organize in their own workplaces. The momentum has also caught the attention of policymakers, with some legislators calling for stronger protections for organizing workers and more robust enforcement of labor laws.
For Starbucks customers, the unionization movement has sparked a range of reactions. Some patrons have expressed support for the workers’ efforts, citing a desire to see employees treated fairly and compensated appropriately. Others worry about potential disruptions or changes to their favorite coffee shop routines. Regardless of perspective, it’s clear that the actions of Starbucks baristas in Des Moines and Bellevue are part of a larger story about the future of work in America.
As the labor movement continues to evolve, the experiences of Starbucks workers offer important lessons about the power of collective action and the challenges of building solidarity in a rapidly changing economy. The votes in Des Moines and the announcement in Bellevue serve as reminders that even in industries where unionization has long seemed unlikely, determined workers can still make their voices heard.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the next steps for the newly unionized Merle Hay store and the organizing Bellevue location. Their progress—or setbacks—will likely influence similar efforts across the country. For now, though, the message from Des Moines and Bellevue is clear: workers are ready to stand together, and they’re not backing down.
