More Starbucks workers in Philadelphia join push to unionize

The big picture: Only two of Starbucks' roughly 9,000 company-owned stores in the U.S. have unionized.

• But it has set off a chain of similar efforts across the country, as workers from the Portland area to Atlanta have begun filing petitions.

Zoom in: Starbucks employees at the two Philadelphia stores seeking to unionize this week have been coordinating on the campaign with workers at 1945 Callowhill St. and 600 S 9th St., who filed their petitions Jan. 28.

• They're all seeking to join Workers United, an affiliate of Service Employees International Union.

Between the lines: Employees at the four stores are seeking protections against retaliation and unjust firings, as well as more consistent and fair scheduling.

• They've also called for higher pay and for the company to address concerns over safety issues, among other things.

What they're saying: Lydia Fernandez, who has worked as a barista at the Center City location for nearly a year, said workers at her store were inspired by the successful campaigns in New York's Buffalo area.

• "We saw what was happening and we realized we could do this for ourselves, too, and now could be the time where we can take action … so that we can improve our working conditions, improve our lives, and just be happier at Starbucks," she said.

Starbucks didn't immediately respond to Axios' request seeking comment.