Core Viewpoint - Starbucks shareholders are advocating for the removal of two board members, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp and Beth Ford, due to their perceived role in hindering the company's unionization efforts [2][3]. Shareholder Actions - The SOC Investment Group, Trillium Asset Management, Merseyside Pension Fund, Shareholder Association for Research and Education, and New York state and city comptrollers have urged shareholders to vote "no" on the re-election of Knudstorp and Ford at the upcoming annual meeting on March 25 [3]. Unionization Efforts - Since the start of the barista-led organizing campaign in 2021, over 680 Starbucks stores have voted to form unions, resulting in 34 tentative agreements, but no final agreements have been reached [4]. - An unfair labor practice strike began in November 2025, with thousands of workers participating, and the union has since encouraged public pressure on the company, including calls to delete the Starbucks app until a first contract is established [4]. Management Pledges and Criticism - Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol had previously committed to engaging constructively in labor relations, but critics claim the company has not upheld these promises [5]. - Shareholders hold Knudstorp and Ford accountable for the ongoing labor disputes, citing their responsibilities in labor relations and board structure during this period [6]. Concerns Raised by Shareholders - Tejal Patel, executive director of the SOC Investment Group, expressed concerns about the escalation of labor disputes and the lack of a first contract, indicating that risks related to workforce relations have increased [7]. - Shareholders criticized the board's sudden change in labor relations oversight, arguing it contradicts the company's turnaround strategy and has not been adequately explained to them [7]. Financial and Reputational Risks - Two proxy firms have alerted Starbucks shareholders to potential financial and reputational risks stemming from the ongoing labor disputes [8].