The Gist Barista Michelle Eisen on Face Tattoos, Short Staffs, and Union Shots Fired
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Oct 27, 2025 Michelle Eisen, a barista-turned-organizer from Buffalo, played a pivotal role in unionizing Starbucks workers nationwide. She discusses the rapid growth of the union movement, highlighting challenges like low pay and staffing issues while addressing aggressive anti-union tactics. Eisen also touches on quirky topics, such as the debate over workplace dress codes and how unions can protect workers' rights. Her insights reveal the real impact union membership has on improving conditions for baristas in a complicated labor landscape.
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From Longtime Barista To Organizer
- Michelle Eisen worked 11 years at Starbucks and helped organize the first unionized Buffalo store in 2021.
- The Elmwood Avenue cafe's community ties and pandemic-era frustrations helped spark the win.
A Local Win Sparked A National Cascade
- Buffalo's win triggered a national cascade of organizing at Starbucks stores across the U.S.
- Workers saw common issues and realized unionizing was possible and contagious.
Union Growth Is Significant But Limited
- Over 650 Starbucks stores have unionized out of roughly 10,000 U.S. locations, a meaningful minority.
- That represents more than 12,000 unionized Starbucks workers so far.