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1st Starbucks in San Antonio officially unionizes, more organizing

 Starbucks is raising prices again starting Tuesday, with the increases ranging from 5 to 20 cents for most coffee drinks. (luizfilipe/Flickr)
luizfilipe/Flickr

Employees at the Loop 410/Vance Jackson Starbucks voted 10-6 to unionize — making it the first in San Antonio to officially become a union, and the third in Texas.

Another Starbucks location in San Antonio announced its intent to unionize on Sunday. The location at Quincy and McCullough streets would be the third Starbucks to unionize in San Antonio and the fifth in Texas.

In a letter to Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz, employees said their attempts to meet management at the bargaining table were met with "unjust and unfair treatment." They also cited conflicts with store managers and a struggle for work hours as part of their decision-making.

Starbucks Workers United said an organizer of the letter was fired as retaliation.

Other local stores to unionize include partners at Loop 410/Vance Jackson — thefirst store to organize a union in San Antonio and in the state — and 200 E. Houston St.

Two Austin locations haveofficially unionized.

Employees at the location at Loop 410/Vance Jackson voted 10-6 Tuesday to unionize, making it the first San Antonio store to officially become a union and the third unionized Starbucks in Texas.

About 150 stores across the U.S. have organized a union, according to the Union. Six months ago, there were none.

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