Starbucks Supervisor Seeks to Disband Union Amid Discontent Over Strike Decisions

A Starbucks supervisor in San Diego is attempting to disband the union at his store, claiming that workers were excluded from important decisions, particularly regarding a recent open-ended Christmas strike that left employees without hours. Joe Emmenegger, 29, stated that he gathered signatures from approximately 64% of the 16 to 18 employees at his store to initiate a vote on the union's disbandment. He expressed dissatisfaction with Starbucks Workers United for allegedly excluding supervisors from discussions, despite their inclusion in the bargaining unit. Emmenegger, who has lived in the San Diego area his entire life, initially held a neutral stance on unions but became concerned after the strike, which began on November 13, 2025, as part of ongoing negotiations for a national framework for union contracts. He noted that the decision to strike was made without input from him or his coworkers, leading to a loss of hours just before Christmas. Emmenegger emphasized that he does not oppose unions but believes they should operate transparently and effectively. Following the strike, he circulated a petition to remove the union, which is currently pending with the National Labor Relations Board. He reported minimal opposition from coworkers but mentioned being labeled a 'scab' by labor activists. Emmenegger has also joined a new coalition advocating for union transparency, backed by the Center for Union Facts, which campaigns against certain union practices. A Gallup poll indicated that 71% of Americans approve of labor unions, while the Center for Union Facts reported a decline in favorability to 61% when informed about union corruption scandals. Starbucks Workers United has been negotiating for over two years to secure a contract with Starbucks, conducting strikes and protests to pressure the company into an agreement. The New York Post has reached out to Starbucks Workers United for comment.