Punching In: Starbucks’ Détente Lowers Heat in Labor Relations

Monday morning musings for workplace watchers.

Starbucks, Union Agreement|NLRB Chair Opposition

Robert Iafolla: Starbucks Corp. has made some progress toward settling National Labor Relations Board disputes, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the hundreds of pending unfair labor practice cases against the coffee giant.

Starbucks has settled six cases since the company and Starbucks Workers United, which represents baristas at about 400 cafes, announced plans three months ago to discuss a “foundational framework” for securing labor contracts and resolving litigation.

The NLRB last month withdrew a petition asking a federal appeals court to enforce a judgment ...