Company has applied for delay
Starbucks workers at three locations in the Buffalo area will begin voting by mail this week on whether to join the Service Employees International Union.
In its 50 year history the coffee giant has fought off several efforts by workers to bring in a union.
It has asked for a delay in the election while it waits for a full review by the National Labor Relations Board, arguing its wages and benefits are more than competitive.
But pro-union workers contend the company has chronic problems including faulty equipment and understaffed stores.

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