Starbucks employees across the U.S. are gearing up for a five-day strike starting Friday, aiming to pressure the coffee giant over stalled contract negotiations. The strikes, initially planned for stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, have the potential to expand to hundreds of locations nationwide by Christmas Eve.
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The planned action, led by Starbucks Workers United (SWU), comes after the union accused Starbucks of failing to honor its February commitment to reach a labor agreement in 2024. With 535 company-owned stores unionized since 2021, workers are demanding fair wages, better benefits, and a resolution to hundreds of unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
The Roots of the Dispute
Starbucks Workers United claims that despite a promising start to negotiations earlier this year, the company has fallen short. The union alleges that Starbucks’ recent economic proposal included no immediate wage increases for unionized baristas and only a minimal 1.5% raise in future years.
Meanwhile, Starbucks recently appointed Brian Niccol as its Chairman and CEO in September, reportedly offering him a compensation package exceeding $100 million. This disparity has further fueled worker frustrations.
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“Union baristas know their value,” said Lynne Fox, president of Workers United. “They’re not going to accept a proposal that doesn’t treat them as true partners.”
Starbucks’ Response
In response, Starbucks defended its current pay and benefits package, which includes free college tuition, paid family leave, and other perks valued at $30 per hour for employees working 20 or more hours weekly.
The Seattle-based company also accused Workers United of prematurely ending a bargaining session this week. “We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table,” Starbucks said in a statement.
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Starbucks claims it has held nine bargaining sessions since April and reached over 30 agreements with the union. However, the company remains at odds with SWU over broader wage and benefit increases.
A Pattern of Holiday Strikes
This isn’t the first time Starbucks workers have used the busy holiday season to make their voices heard.
- In November 2023, thousands of workers at over 200 stores staged a walkout on Red Cup Day, one of the company’s most lucrative promotional events.
- In June 2023, employees protested after the union alleged Starbucks banned Pride displays at some locations.
The upcoming strikes could disrupt holiday sales during one of the company’s most profitable periods, amplifying the stakes for both Starbucks and its workers.
What’s Next?
As negotiations remain at a standstill, Starbucks Workers United is intensifying its efforts to rally support. The union hopes the strikes will send a strong message to Starbucks’ leadership about the importance of treating workers fairly.
“In a year when Starbucks invested millions in top executive talent, it has failed to present baristas with a viable economic proposal,” said Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a Texas barista and bargaining delegate.
With tensions escalating, the question remains: will the strikes spur progress, or deepen the divide between Starbucks and its workers?
