Starbucks Korea staff form union after ‘Tank Day’ campaign fiasco

Starbucks Korea employees have officially formed a labor union, the company confirmed on July 19. This move comes after a controversial "Tank Day" promotion on May 18, the anniversary of a deadly 1980 pro-democracy uprising crackdown. The campaign sparked public outrage, leading to the resignation of Starbucks Korea's chief executive and a nationwide closure of over 2,000 stores for staff training on the historical event's significance.

“

protect

The newly formed union, affiliated with the Korean Federation of Chemical, Textile and Food Workers’ Unions, stated its purpose is to "protect" workers' rights and enable them to "work with sincerity and pride." According to the union, the company had repeatedly ignored demands for improved workplace conditions, opting instead to "unilaterally introduce even more burdensome promotional events."

“

work with sincerity and pride

While the union statement did not directly mention the Tank Day controversy, it emphasized the need to "assert our rights and re-establish labour-management relations on an equal footing." A Starbucks Korea official acknowledged the union's formation, stating the company will "continue to engage with the labour union in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations." This marks the first labor union at Starbucks Korea since the chain began operations in the country in 1999. The operator noted that the Tank Day scandal caused a "sharp decline in sales."

“

ultimately ignored partners’ demands, instead unilaterally introducing even more burdensome promotional events