NLRB Orders Starbucks to Reopen Ithaca Stores

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ordered Starbucks to reopen two Ithaca locations that were closed in May 2023, ruling that the closures were intended to suppress union activity. Administrative Law Judge Geoffrey Carter found that Starbucks violated the National Labor Relations Act by permanently shuttering the Ithaca Commons and South Meadow Street stores, which followed the successful unionization of all three Ithaca locations in April 2022. The company had cited profitability issues, but the NLRB determined that it factored in losses incurred during employee strikes. Starbucks is allowed to present new evidence potentially arguing that reopening the stores would be burdensome. This ruling comes after a similar order for another Ithaca location, which remains closed despite earlier NLRB directives. Starbucks stated it is reviewing the judge's decision and remains focused on negotiating with the union and supporting its managers.