Starbucks Forced to Reverse Decision: Judge Demands Reinstatement and Compensation for Union Leader

Starbucks Worker Illegally Fired for Organizing Union

After a federal administrative judge found a Colorado Starbucks worker was illegally fired for organizing a union, that judge ordered the coffee giant to not only rehire her, but issue back pay and write a letter of apology.

Barista Alendra 'Len' Harris says she feels validated by Judge Ira Sandron's ruling, which she says also backs up the hundreds of similar allegations from other Starbucks workers around the country who have unionized in an effort to get better pay and working conditions.

"There's a lot of feelings," Harris said. "I'm incredibly validated."

As of Tuesday, nearly 400 Starbucks stores are unionized -- up from 300 over the summer -- yet none of them have a contract.

RELATED: Westminster Starbucks votes to unionize as labor board rules in favor of another Colorado Starbucks union leader

CBS News Colorado met with one Starbucks barista who led the charge at her store to become the first unionized Starbucks in Colorado.

The Starbucks in Superior first voted to unionize back in April 2022 but it was Harris, who first pushed this location into unionizing. Harris became the victim of unlawful termination, an administrative judge recently ruled.

Starbucks Unlawfully Terminated Employee, Judge Rules

A federal administrative judge of the National Labor Relations Board -- which oversees union elections, allegations of worker intimidation and other labor issues -- ruled last week that Starbucks unlawfully terminated Harris back in November 2022.

"It really hits different when a legal document tells you you were treated unjustly," Harris said.

Shortly after successfully unionizing for better pay and working conditions in early 2022, a temporary manager at the Superior location started firing workers, according to Harris.

"She warned us an anti-union manager is gonna come in here, they're going to drop the axe, they're going to start really firing you for small infractions or things you didn't know about, and low and behold, after a month of working with her, that's exactly what she started doing," Harris said. "She started firing people for being a minute or two late, started firing people for dress code infractions."

In the fall of 2022, Harris was notified she allegedly mishandled counting the store's safe, then received a final notice, despite not having any prior infractions during her employment.

Harris was later accused of leaving the door unlocked and cash unattended.

"I was her main target," Harris said, of the temporary manager.

Harris was fired one month later, the day after she and other workers at the store joined a nationwide strike for contract negotiations.

Starbucks Worker Wins Lawsuit for Unlawful Firing

"I went to the National Labor Relations Board in Denver and I brought my concerns to them, and said, 'hey, I was just fired from the company, this company, I was engaged in organizing a union, and I'm pretty positive they fired me for union organizing,'" Harris said.

After a six-month-long investigation found Harris was unlawfully fired for union organizing, Starbucks fought back in court, losing to Harris.

"This is just one incident among many, many, many incidents of the company being actually held accountable, or at least legally liable, for their wrongdoings," Harris said.

Harris hopes to return to work at this location, however, it's unclear if Starbucks will appeal the case. Starbucks has not returned our latest request for comment but has previously said Harris was lawfully fired and generally criticized the tactics of the union, Starbucks Workers United.

Federal administrative law judges have ruled that Starbucks has violated its workers' rights hundreds of times.

RELATED: Starbucks violated workers' rights "hundreds of times," labor judge says

Workers around the country have made considerable gains through unionization and bargaining efforts in 2023.

To name just a few, part-time UPS drivers got a 55% raise, airline pilots received a 40% raise and United Auto Workers landed a 25% raise plus cost of living adjustments.

The wins were widespread from Hollywood writers and actors to nurses and teachers.

Starbucks Ordered to Rehire Employee and Pay Back Wages

In a recent ruling, a Superior court judge has ordered Starbucks to rehire former employee, Jane Harris, and pay her back wages. The administrative judge also instructed the company to cease any anti-union activity.

Harris, who had been a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the workplace, was terminated by Starbucks after her involvement in union organizing efforts. However, the judge found that the termination was unjust and violated Harris' rights.

"My win says really clearly that, yes, it may take a while," Harris said. "But you can and will win, and we can do it together and it's worth it in the end."

This ruling serves as a reminder to all employees, unionized or not, to continue pushing for workers' rights and standing up against unfair treatment in the workplace.