Operations

Starbucks has a new partner in Buffalo: The SEIU

Working Lunch: This episode of the podcast from Align Public Strategies features a deep dive on Starbucks’ new union, as well as McDonald’s investment in new franchisees and the impact on Amazon.

Starbucks workers in Buffalo, N.Y. voted to approve a union in at least one location. This week’s episode of Working Lunch, a podcast from public affairs firm Align Public Strategies.

Joe Kefauver, managing partner with Align, and Franklin Coley, a partner with the firm, discuss the impact of the vote and what is next for the restaurant industry.

In addition, they discuss McDonald’s recent announcement that it plans to invest $250 million to help new franchisees obtain alternative financing to open new restaurants. The investment is part of an effort to increase diversity in the chain’s franchisee base. Kefauver and Coley discuss McDonald’s record on that part.

They also discuss the impact a single company, Amazon, is having on setting wages in the restaurant industry.

Align Public Strategies is a public affairs and creative firm that works with corporations, governments and nonprofits.

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