Starbucks’s Howard Schultz to Testify About Union Activity Before Senate Committee

Starbucks workers planned to walk out of cafes across the U.S. in mid-November, pushing for higher pay and improved staffing levels. It was the largest coordinated national action taken by the union, according to Starbucks Workers United. Photo: Seth Wenig/Associated Press

By Heather Haddon

Updated March 7, 2023 2:20 pm ET

Starbucks Corp. interim Chief Executive Howard Schultz has agreed to testify before a Senate committee, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday, the latest development in the 18-month conflict between the company and U.S. baristas seeking to unionize.

Mr. Sanders, an Independent who is chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, has accused the company of flouting federal labor laws, allegations that the company denies. Mr. Sanders has alleged that Starbucks, under Mr. Schultz’s leadership, has “done everything possible to prevent” unionization and collective-bargaining efforts.