Union objects to results of two Starbucks unionization votes

The union vying to represent Starbucks employees is objecting to the results of elections at two Buffalo-area stores

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The union vying to represent Starbucks employees has formally objected to the results of elections at two Buffalo-area stores, saying the coffee retailer waged a “shock and awe” campaign meant to dissuade workers from voting to unionize.

Employees at another local store, in Buffalo, voted 19-8 in favor of a union last week, becoming the first at a Starbucks-owned store in the U.S. to do so.

Workers United, in objections filed with the National Labor Relations Board late Thursday, said the company's intimidation tactics affected the results of voting at two other stores where elections were being held, in suburban Hamburg and Cheektowaga.

The 50-year-old company has actively fought unionization for decades, saying its more than 8,000 company-owned U.S. stores function best when it works directly with employees.