Starbucks Workers Union

The workers said sewage backed up into the kitchen at one location multiple times, the air conditioning broke during the summer, and they are struggling to make ends meet with their pay.

Workers from all eight unionized Starbucks stores in the St. Louis region joined thousands of the chain's employees across the nation in a one-day strike, calling for active bargaining and a fair contract.

Judge Robert A. Ringler found the Seattle-based coffee chain broke the law by punishing workers who wore union T-shirts and by threatening employees that they would lose their scheduled raises, benefits increases and access to management because of their union activities.

“To come into a job every day that is supposed to have your back and they tell you to take down your Pride decorations, it’s kind of like a slap in the face,” said one worker.