Starbucks has sued several unions that it says have been using the coffee chains logo and reputation to amplify their support of Palestine over Israel.
Starbucks on Wednesday sued a self-described “progressive” union made up of about 9,000 baristas and other employees for using the coffee giant’s name and logo while supporting Palestine after the Hamas terror organization, which rules the Gaza Strip, launched a devastating sneak attack against Israel.
Starbucks sued the union, Starbucks Workers United, accusing it of using the company’s name and logo when it posted on social media an image of a bulldozer tearing down a portion of the Israel-Gaza border with the text: “Solidarity with Palestine!” The Union chapters in Iowa, Chicago and Boston also promoted rallies in support of Palestinians.
On October 7, Hamas led the deadliest Palestinian militant attack on Israel in history. Israel subsequently launched its heaviest ever airstrikes on Gaza. At least 4,500 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza and about 200 Israelis, including children, have been taken hostage.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa in Davenport, Iowa, also lists Service Employees International Union, Workers United, and Iowa City Starbucks Workers United as plaintiffs.
Also on Wednesday, Workers United filed a complaint against Starbucks in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The group asks for a jury to issue a declaratory judgment that it may continue to use the Starbucks Workers United name and logo.
