Starbucks CEO Niccol says committed to ‘engage constructively’ with workers’ union Reuters

(Correct typo to say “in a letter” in paragraph 1)

(Reuters) – New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said in a letter on Tuesday that he “deeply respects” the right of the coffee chain’s workers to choose to be represented by a union and pledged to “engage constructively” .

Starbucks (NASDAQ: ) is continuing contract negotiations with the Workers United union this week. The session would be the first with Niccol at the helm since a surprise change of CEO of the company last month.

Niccol’s remarks come in response to a letter addressed to him by 298 baristas who are the union’s bargaining delegates.

Earlier this month, Niccol said in an open letter that he would work to improve the cafe culture at the chain’s US stores and plans to spend time in stores meeting with suppliers and partners to make improvements.

In his letter on Tuesday, Niccol reiterated his commitment to creating a “great work environment” in stores and added that the company “values” direct relationships with workers.

“If our partners choose to be represented, I am committed to ensuring that we engage constructively and in good faith with the union and the partners it represents,” Niccol wrote.

Starbucks began negotiations with Workers United in April on a “basic framework” to guide collective bargaining in the US. The union’s bargaining delegation represents more than 10,500 partners in more than 490 stores.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a lower court injunction sought by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board ordering Starbucks to rehire seven Memphis employees who were fired while trying to unionize.