More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas, representing unionized workers, went on strike at 65 locations across major U.S. cities on Thursday. This action came in response to stalled discussions between the company and its union over labor conditions. The strike was timed to disrupt Starbucks’ busy Red Cup Day, a popular event where the chain provides reusable cups to customers who purchase holiday drinks.
Dachi Spoltore, a barista from Pittsburgh, commented, “We’re turning the Red Cup Season into the Red Cup Rebellion. Starbucks’ refusal to agree to a fair union contract has pushed us to take this drastic step.” The strike impacts stores in 45 cities, which include metropolitan areas like New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
As the strike continues without an expected conclusion, organizers express that more stores may join in throughout the holiday season if no resolution is reached. They have accused Starbucks of not negotiating in good faith and of engaging in tactics that undermine union efforts.
Workers are advocating for increased staffing, more hours, and fairer wages. Additionally, they seek a resolution to over 700 unfair labor practice cases pending with the National Labor Relations Board. However, a Starbucks spokesperson indicated that the strike would only affect a small portion of their locations, with the majority remaining operational.
The spokesperson expressed disappointment over the strike call, highlighting that the union represents a small fraction of the workforce and stressing the company’s readiness to negotiate when the union is willing to return to the table. They’ve emphasized that Starbucks provides competitive pay and benefits, averaging over $30 per hour for its hourly workers.
Since December 2021, about 12,000 Starbucks workers across nearly 650 stores have formed unions, but significant progress on contracts has yet to occur, despite ongoing discussions. CEO Brian Niccol, who took charge of the company over a year ago, has aimed to improve employee relations, though the union claims that meaningful advances have not materialized under his leadership.
