Quantcast

Starbucks baristas challenge constitutionality of NLRB in federal appeals court

Starbucks baristas challenge constitutionality of NLRB in federal appeals court
Webp 049mufsipw2uvrj2bt3je9d93anm
William L. Messenger Vice President and Legal Director (2023-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

Today, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia heard oral arguments in a significant case involving Starbucks employees from New York. The case, Cortes v. NLRB, questions the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Baristas Ariana Cortes and Logan Karam are represented by attorneys from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

The lawsuit was initiated in 2023 and is notable for being the first to argue that protections against removing NLRB board members violate Article II of the Constitution's separation of powers doctrines. Since then, similar arguments have been made by the Trump Administration regarding Biden NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox's removal, which is currently under litigation.

Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Foundation, commented on today's proceedings: "Ms. Cortes and Mr. Karam stand up for untold numbers of workers around the country in their battle to reform the NLRB."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Tomorrow, May 16, the D.C. Circuit Court will hear another related case, Wilcox v. Trump.

The federal case filed by Starbucks baristas followed actions taken by Biden's NLRB that were perceived as disenfranchising workers. On April 28, 2023, Cortes requested a decertification election at her Buffalo-area Starbucks store after gaining support from her colleagues to remove SBWU union officials' bargaining powers. However, this petition was rejected due to unfair labor practice accusations against Starbucks Corporation made by SBWU union officials.

Similarly, Karam's attempt to initiate a decertification vote at his store faced rejection based on claims by SBWU officials. Consequently, both workers remain under union representation they oppose and have pursued legal action challenging the structure of the NLRB as unconstitutional.

More News

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Jul 16, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of services to seven new destinations—Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Yerevan—beginning in November 2025.

Jul 16, 2025

Airlines for America has emphasized the need for increased funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire more air traffic controllers, update infrastructure, and build on the One Big Beautiful Bill down payment.

Jul 16, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced a complete closure of Aviation Boulevard between Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard from July 14 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 6 a.m. Shuttle access to the LAX/Metro Transit Center will remain...

Jul 16, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a social media thread on X, inviting travelers to explore Dallas as a new destination.

Jul 16, 2025

Finnair announced that Palta and the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (IAU) have reached a negotiation result, leading to the cancellation of all previously announced strikes and the resumption of normal flight operations.

Jul 16, 2025