Surprise closure of NYC Starbucks sparks pro-union protests as 7 activists end up cuffed and in a latte trouble

They’re in a latte trouble.More than a half-dozen protesters were cuffed Tuesday during a “sit-in” demonstration at a Park Slope Starbucks store that unionized in October and is set to close by the end of this month.A spokesperson from the NYPD confirmed seven protesters were arrested, though information regarding their charges was unavailable as of Tuesday afternoon.A union organizer confirmed those arrested were former Starbucks employees and “allies” of store staff.The rally, organized by labor union Workers United, began about 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday with a “sip-in” – composed of dozens of workers, former workers and allies – protesting Starbucks’ “illegal” move to suddenly close the bustling Park Slope store on Friday and leave union workers without a fair contract.“I 100% believe that unionization was a reason why we’re closing,” said employee and Sunset Park resident Jenn Skinner, who is being transferred to a Manhattan store next month.“It was a very convenient thing that our lease was expiring at the same time,” said the 29-year-old, who told The Post her commute to work will be 30 minutes longer to the new store in the Financial District.“We literally just unionized two months ago.

So it seems very fishy.”City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement that he hoped the corporation will “move forward with negotiations.”“We expect Starbucks to engage their unionized employees seeking fair wages and better conditions, not shutter the locations at which they work – and this hits especially close to home,” Lander said.“This move from Starbucks raises concerns about whether the company is seeking to do right by their employees and come to an agreement.”Employees only discovered the Brooklyn location was closing on Dec.31, Skinner said, though other staffers and even customers had speculated that the store was closing after four other unionized Starbucks stores closed.

Those included busy spots in Williamsburg a...