Starbucks Baristas Strike, Impacting Nearly 60 Stores Nationwide
A significant five-day strike led by Starbucks baristas has resulted in the closure of almost 60 stores across the United States, according to the union organizing the action. The strike, which began in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, is fueled by ongoing frustrations regarding contract negotiations, prompting the potential for further nationwide protests.
The movement has now expanded to include locations in urban areas such as Boston, Pittsburgh, New York, and also spread to southern cities like Dallas and Denver, and west coast locations including Portland, Oregon. The union, Starbucks Workers United, claims that Starbucks has failed to uphold a commitment made in February to establish a contract with its employees this year.
The union also highlights concerns over numerous legal issues involving unfair labor practices reported to the National Labor Relations Board. This season, typically busy for the coffee chain, could see a noticeable impact on Starbucks’ quarterly earnings. However, the company has stated that operations have not been significantly affected by the strikes.
Negotiations between Starbucks and the union have been ongoing since spring, but differences—particularly regarding compensation—remain unresolved. While Starbucks has pledged a minimum annual pay increase of 1.5%, union members are demanding immediate raises. The company asserts that its US-based baristas earn an average wage of $18 per hour, with total compensation, including benefits, rising to $30.
Workers have expressed their dissatisfaction with their pay, especially in light of the company’s new CEO, Brian Niccol, reportedly set to earn over $100 million in his first year. This disparity has fueled calls for fair compensation and better working conditions among Starbucks staff.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
