MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a formal complaint Friday for the seven workers fired from the Starbucks store on Poplar Avenue and Highland Street in February.
In a statement sent to ABC24, the complaint specifically alleges that Starbucks fired these workers because they "joined or assisted the Union and engaged in concerted activities, and to discourage employees from engaging in these activities."
In addition, the complaint alleges that Starbucks “has been interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of the rights.”
The NLRB will now civilly prosecute Starbucks for the firings.
“On behalf of the Memphis 7, although we are excited about the news, we knew from the moment each of us were terminated that this would be the outcome,” said Nikki Taylor, a former shift supervisor at the Poplar & Highland store and member of the 'Memphis 7'. “We are excited for the public to know the truth and to return to work at our soon-to-be-unionized Starbucks.”
