Court Rules Starbucks Illegally Fired Baristas

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Starbucks illegally fired two baristas, Echo Nowakowska and Tristan Bussiere, for their attempts to unionize, affirming the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) findings of unfair labor practices. While the court ordered Starbucks to rehire the baristas with back pay, it rejected the NLRB's directive for the company to cover additional expenses related to job searches or medical costs following the firings. The ruling emphasizes that substantial evidence supported the NLRB's conclusion that Starbucks acted unlawfully, despite the company's claims of poor performance justifications. Furthermore, the court dismissed Starbucks' challenge regarding the constitutionality of NLRB administrative law judges, which could impact other companies like Amazon and SpaceX looking to limit the agency's authority. This case marks a significant moment in labor relations, as it highlights the growing momentum of unionization efforts across corporate America. The decision may have wider implications for labor activism within the retail and service sectors, indicating that the fight for workers' rights is far from over.