In today’s news and commentary, Starbucks’ union files a new complaint against the coffee giant, the FAA rolls out a new recruiting pitch, and Apple announces it’s closing its first unionized store. 

Last Wednesday, Starbucks Corporation’s union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the company (i) reneged on seven terms it had previously agreed to in labor talks and (ii) made “punitive” proposals that were clearly unacceptable. The complaint argues that this conduct is motivated by Starbucks’ “intent of preventing any agreement from being reached.” Starbucks, however, maintains that they are negotiating in good faith and that their most recent offer reflects changes in “business realities, customer expectations, and partner interests” since the last time the parties met. Before last week’s meeting, Starbucks and Workers United last met for mediation in April 2025, with talks breaking down at the tail end of 2024.

On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Department (DOT) launched a new recruiting campaign geared towards video game players in an effort to fill the nation’s air-traffic controller (ATC) shortage. In a video posted on Youtube, the DOT follows up a montage of video game clips with an offer: “Keep millions of people safe every day (and make a lot of money).” In a press release, the government said, “With only about 25 percent of controllers holding a traditional college degree, this effort is focused on reaching talented young people pursuing alternative career paths, many of whom are active in gaming.” Median salary for the industry clocks in at $144,580, but inexperienced controllers at regional airports often make less than half that. Recent data shows that the agencies are approximately 3,000 staff members short of what they would consider full staffing. 

On Thursday, Apple announced that it will be closing its Towson, Maryland retail location—the company’s first store to successfully unionize. Apple, calling it a “difficult decision,” cited the “departure of several retailers and declining conditions” as the reason behind the news. Unlike employees at two non-union Apple locations that are slated to soon close, the workers in Towson are not being offered transfers to other locations. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents the location’s employees, characterized this decision as union busting: “Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that this closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union.” The union said it is “exploring all legal options and will work with elected officials and allies to hold Apple accountable.”