Starbucks Faces Nationwide Strike as Workers Demand Wage Increases

A rolling strike by Starbucks baristas has expanded to include about 300 stores nationwide. This action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, began last Friday and aims to pressure Starbucks for better wages and to resolve labor disputes. The strike is set to conclude after Christmas Eve, targeting the busy holiday season to amplify its impact.

• Largest Starbucks Strike to Date: A rolling strike organized by Starbucks Workers United now includes 300 stores nationwide, aiming to pressure Starbucks for better wages and resolution of labor disputes during the critical holiday period.
• Wide-Scale Impact: While Starbucks claims minimal disruption, the union reports that over 230 stores have faced closures or delays since Monday, underscoring the strike’s significant operational impact.
• Union Gains Traction: Since its 2021 inception, Starbucks Workers United has unionized 528 stores, despite facing over 700 worker-filed unfair labor practice charges against the company.
• Tensions in Negotiations: Starbucks accuses the union of cutting bargaining sessions short, while workers allege a lack of meaningful progress and federal violations of labor laws by the company.

Workers from cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Portland, and Tucson joined the strike on Monday, adding to those in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. In a statement, barista Lauren Hollingsworth from Ashland, Oregon, emphasized the importance of investing in baristas to improve conditions. The union considers this strike the largest in Starbucks history, with the final days before Christmas being crucial for the company.

Starbucks maintains that the strike has little impact on its operations. “Most of our stores will continue to serve customers,” said Sara Kelly, Starbucks’ executive vice president. However, the union reported that more than 60 stores were forced to close on Monday, with 170 not opening as planned on Tuesday.

Starbucks accused the union of ending bargaining sessions prematurely. “It’s disappointing they didn’t return to the table, given the progress we’ve made,” the company stated. Initially, the strike involved five stores in Southern California, but it has since expanded to other regions.

The strike marks a significant moment for Starbucks Workers United, which began in 2021 and has steadily gained traction. Hopes for a deal were high in February when Starbucks pledged to work with the union. However, federal regulators found that Starbucks violated labor laws, including disciplining and firing workers involved in union activities.

The National Labor Relations Board has overseen 647 union elections at Starbucks stores, with 528 currently having certified bargaining units. Workers have filed over 700 unfair labor charges against Starbucks, highlighting ongoing disputes between the company and its workforce.