Lynbrook Starbucks 5th Shop On Long Island To Unionize

LYNBROOK, NY — Workers at a Starbucks in Lynbrook have joined their brethren at four other Long Island locations in voting to unionize.

Following the 14-8 vote, employees were scheduled to hold a victory rally outside the Sunrise Highway shop Tuesday.

Liv Ryan, a barista for three years at that Starbucks shop, has led the union effort since May 2020.

"I did not think it would ever actually happen," Ryan told Patch.

But after gaining insight and guidance from Starbucks' workers who formed a union in Buffalo, the endeavor took hold.

One of the biggest reasons Ryan and her colleagues wanted protection is because "hours are cut without any warning," she said.

By agreeing to unionize, Ryan said they will receive "more consistent hours, especially for people who have seniority."

Adding another piece of the union puzzle, Ryan and the team are pushing for a coworker to get promoted.

With the spotlight on her as the leader, Ryan "always knew that it was an option" for her to be fired.

She said management reacted poorly since Friday's vote by dismissing someone, and Ryan suspects she's next.

"I do have a strong feeling in my heart that when I go back into work [on Wednesday] I will also be fired," Ryan said. "But I'm not anxious about it."