Washington DC - Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is using his new congressional authority to go after interim Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz over alleged union busting.

Sanders isn't taking his new role as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee lightly.

On Tuesday, the Vermont Independent sent a letter to Howard Schultz, demanding that he testify before the committee at a March 9 hearing.

Schultz is expected to speak on the coffee giant's (non)compliance with federal labor law. If he refuses, Sanders said he is willing to subpoena the billionaire, according to the Associated Press.

Joke of the Day Joke of the Day for November 2, 2024: The best jokes to make you laugh for Caturday

Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks has developed a reputation for relentless union busting. From illegally firing pro-union workers to closing unionized stores, the company has been accused of stopping at nothing to quell the organizing wave sweeping stores around the country.

The National Labor Relations Board has already laid out hundreds of violations of federal labor law, but that hasn't stopped Starbucks from fighting every unionization attempt tooth and nail.

Since Starbucks Workers United formed in 2021, Sanders has been its most outspoken ally in Congress through numerous rallies, town halls, and statements of support.

Now, he seems determined to take his solidarity to the next level.