Starbucks Workers United has announced that baristas in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago will go on strike starting Friday due to the coffee chain’s failure to bring viable economic proposals to the bargaining table. The union, representing over 10,500 workers in 525 union stores, has been organizing since 2021. Starbucks has over 10,000 company-operated locations. The union is demanding fair wages and has criticized Starbucks for offering only a 1.5% wage increase in future years.
The strike began Friday morning and is set to escalate over five days, potentially spreading to other cities through Christmas Eve unless Starbucks meets the workers’ demands. Although Starbucks claims there has been no significant impact on store operations, some locations did not open as planned on Friday. The union and Starbucks have been in negotiations throughout the year, but the company has yet to bring a comprehensive economic package to the bargaining table.
Starbucks has defended its compensation package, which includes an average pay of over $18 per hour and various benefits. The company argues that the union’s proposals for a significant wage increase are not sustainable. The strike comes at a crucial time during the holiday season, as workers at Amazon delivery facilities are also striking. Starbucks is ready to continue negotiations to resolve the issue.
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