Starbucks Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ) new CEO Brian Niccol said in a letter Tuesday that he “deeply respects” the coffee chain’s workers’ right to choose to be represented by a union and is committed to “engaging constructively.”
Starbucks continues its contract negotiations with the union this week. This will be Niccol’s first session in charge after the company’s surprise CEO change last month.
Nicole’s comments came in response to a letter sent to him by 298 coffee shop workers who are the union’s negotiating representatives.
Earlier this month, Nichol said in an open letter that he would work to improve the cafe culture at the chain’s U.S. stores and planned to spend time in stores and meet with suppliers and partners to make improvements.
In his letter Tuesday, Nicol also reiterated his commitment to creating a “great work environment” in stores, adding that the company “values” direct relationships with workers.
“If our partners choose to be represented, I am committed to ensuring that we engage constructively and in good faith with the union and the partners we represent,” Nicole wrote.
Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April on a “foundational framework” to guide collective bargaining in the United States. The union’s negotiating delegation represents more than 10,500 associates in more than 490 stores.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a lower court injunction filed by the National Labor Relations Board ordering Starbucks to reinstate seven Memphis employees who were fired while trying to form a union.