ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- A National Labor Board (NLRB) law judge has ordered Starbucks to reopen two stores in Ithaca, ruling that the company shut them down to punish employees for unionizing. The judge determined that the closure was an effort to discourage unionization at other Starbucks locations.

The ruling focuses on two former stores: one located on the Ithaca Commons (130 East Seneca Street, Ithaca,) and another on Meadow Street (722 South Meadow Street, Ithaca), both of which were closed in 2023.

At the time of the closures, Starbucks cited excessive employee absences and difficulties finding new hires as reasons for the decision. However, the judge found that many of the absences were related to union activities, which are protected by the law.

Federal law allows employees the right to join or assist a union, choose a representative to bargain with us on your belief, act together with other employees for your benefit and protection, and choose not to engage in any of these protected activities. 

Starbucks, when reached out for comment, said that it is reviewing the decision. The company also emphasized its commitment to training managers to ensure that employees' rights to organize and negotiate are respected.

This isn't the first time the coffee giant has faced backlash over its stance on unions. The NLRB has previously targeted the company for alleged anti-union action, including a similar order in July 2023 to reopen a third store on College Avenue in Ithaca.

Despite the previous order, that location still remains closed.