Starbucks, Apple Latest to Face Union-Busting Proxy Fights

Shareholder proposals are piling further pressure on companies including Starbucks Corp. and Apple Inc. to protect labor rights as activist investors concerned about union interference become more active in proxy battles.

Both companies were hit with proposals in September that called for labor rights audits following complaints by workers and others that the companies have been trying to curb union organizing. Amazon.com Inc. and Tesla Inc. were hit with similar proposals last proxy season that each gained significant support from approximately one-third of shareholders before ultimately falling short.

The proponents, including the New York City comptroller on behalf of the ...