Reston Starbucks Baristas Vote To Unionize At Plaza America Location

Workers seek improved pay, staffing, and scheduling through Starbucks Workers United

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Baristas at the Starbucks located in Reston's Plaza America voted 11-5 to join Starbucks Workers United, adding to a growing nationwide movement of Starbucks employees seeking union representation. This decision makes the Plaza America store the 25th unionized Starbucks in Virginia, contributing to a total of over 570 locations nationwide represented by the union.

Why it matters

The unionization effort at this Reston Starbucks location is part of a larger national movement by Starbucks workers to advocate for better working conditions, including improved pay, staffing levels, and scheduling practices. This vote reflects growing worker dissatisfaction with issues like chronic understaffing and difficulty securing enough hours to qualify for benefits.

The details

Workers involved in the unionization campaign are seeking a fair union contract that addresses their concerns about hours, take-home pay, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges filed against Starbucks. The National Labor Relations Board has found Starbucks guilty of more than 400 labor law violations.

  • The vote took place on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • The Starbucks Workers United campaign began in late 2021.

The players

Starbucks Workers United

A union representing Starbucks employees in a growing nationwide movement for better working conditions.

Robin Fox

A barista at the Plaza America Starbucks location who has worked there for 6 years.

Liv Galvin

A barista at the Plaza America Starbucks location who has worked there for 3 years.

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What they’re saying

“After being at Plaza America for 6 years, today feels like the first day that our voices have been heard. Partners that are the backbone of the coffeehouse experience will be able to work with dignity knowing that we're only growing stronger in our fight for better.”

— Robin Fox, Barista (Patch.com)

“This vote to unionize is a vote to be heard. It's harder for the company to ignore us when we stand together in our goal for better treatment.”

— Liv Galvin, Barista (Patch.com)

What’s next

Baristas at the Plaza America Starbucks location will now work to finalize a fair union contract with the company that addresses their concerns about hours, pay, and other working conditions.

The takeaway

The successful unionization vote at the Reston Starbucks reflects a growing nationwide movement by Starbucks workers to advocate for improved pay, staffing, and scheduling practices. This effort underscores the challenges facing the company as it grapples with labor unrest and allegations of unfair labor practices across its operations.