Workers blast Ed Sheeran for shooting ad at Seattle Starbucks store accused of union busting
Ed Sheeran, the singer-songwriter from Britain, has found himself in trouble with Starbucks Workers United. This comes after he decided to promote his upcoming album by taking on a shift at a Starbucks store in Seattle.
Mr. Sheeran made an appearance at the coffee shop Friday, captured on video. Sporting the typical green apron of a Starbucks barista, he made drinks and talked to customers. The video, intended as a promotion for his “Autumn Variations” LP, drew the rebuke of some Starbucks workers and their union.
According to Starbucks Workers United, the store that Mr. Sheeran visited has faced numerous claims of treating the union unfairly.
The union expressed their embarrassment over Ed Sheeran working at a Starbucks store in Seattle, which was dealing with significant efforts to undermine the union.
Ed Sheeran working a shift at a Starbucks store in Seattle that faced massive union-busting is straight up embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/G27lGHhpXV</ a>
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) August 26, 2023
The union alleged that all individuals featured in the video were part of the management team, rather than being regular employees.
The issue shows the growing labor consciousness at Starbucks.
Despite the backlash, fans seemed to enjoy the Sheeran experience. The video, posted on Starbucks’ TikTok account, shows many customers and workers enjoying themselves.
