At least 293 of Starbucks' 9,000 company-owned U.S. Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late 2021, according to the National Labor Relations Board.
But Sanders had argued that Schultz - a longtime leader who stepped down as interim CEO last week but remains on the company's board - was instrumental in setting the company's policies. Under threat of a subpoena, Schultz agreed to testify. Workers say they're seeking higher pay, more consistent schedules and better benefits. But Starbucks argues that it already provides some of the best pay and benefits in the industry, and says its stores function better when it works directly with employees.