Feds: Starbucks engaged in unfair labor practices in Phoenix

Federal labor officials have asked a judge to force Starbucks to rehir three union activists at its Phoenix location.

The National Labor Relations Board's Phoenix regional director asked a court to order Starbucks to hire back three employees who were part of the union organizing committee.

The coffee chain has been dealt a blow as locations nationwide seek to unionize. The Seattle location voted to form a union on Thursday, as did baristas in Colorado on Friday.

Starbucks retaliated against employees in Phoenix who were trying to unionize, according to federal labor officials.

Starbucks disciplined, suspended, and discharged one employee, constructively discharged another, and placed a third on an unpaid leave of absence after revoking recently granted accommodations, according to the filing.

A Starbucks spokesman said Saturday that the company disagreed with the labor board's accusations and that an investigation found the employees violated policies.

Reggie Borges, a Starbucks spokesman, said after the Seattle vote that they would bargain in good faith. We hope the union does the same.