Starbucks Workers Strike in LA, Chicago, and Seattle Ahead of Christmas

Starbucks Baristas Plan to Strike through Christmas Eve

Strikes to Escalate Daily, Covering New Markets

Starbucks baristas in some locations are planning to strike through Christmas Eve, starting with cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle on Friday. The strikes will escalate each day, covering new markets, as Starbucks Workers United pushes for better pay for baristas.

Company and Union Relations Turn Frosty Again

Relations between the company and the union have turned frosty again, after a thaw earlier this year. In late February, both sides agreed to work together on a "foundational framework" that would include a process to achieve collective bargaining agreements for individual stores. Since then, they’ve conducted more than nine bargaining sessions over 20 days, according to Starbucks.

Union Demands 64% Pay Increase

Earlier this week, Starbucks and the union met for the last scheduled bargaining session of the year. But ahead of the meeting, Starbucks Workers United baristas voted to authorize a strike if the coffee giant didn’t propose a comprehensive package that would address pay and other benefits. The union asked for a 64% increase to hourly employees’ wages immediately and a 77% pay hike over the life of a three-year contract, according to Starbucks.

Company Proposes 1.5% Annual Pay Hikes

In the bargaining session, Starbucks proposed no immediate pay increase and only guaranteed annual pay hikes of 1.5% going forward, the union said. The company claimed that this was not sustainable and that the union was making unreasonable demands.

Tough Year for Starbucks

It’s been a tough year for Starbucks. Globally and in the U.S., its sales have declined as consumers look elsewhere for their caffeine buzz. In the wake of the sales slump, baristas will reportedly receive a smaller annual pay hike next year than they have in previous years.

Conclusion

The strike could mean longer waits for holiday drinks and popular Starbucks merchandise in the days leading up to Christmas, when many Americans will be off work and school or buying last-minute gifts. The strike is a sign of growing frustration among Starbucks baristas, who are demanding better pay and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Starbucks baristas planning to strike?
A: Starbucks baristas are planning to strike because they are demanding better pay and benefits.

Q: How many Starbucks locations are affected by the strike?
A: More than 500 company-owned locations of Starbucks are represented by Starbucks Workers United.

Q: Is this the first strike by Starbucks baristas?
A: No, this is not the first strike by Starbucks baristas. There have been previous strikes and protests by Starbucks workers in recent years.

Q: Will the strike affect holiday sales at Starbucks?
A: Yes, the strike could mean longer waits for holiday drinks and popular Starbucks merchandise in the days leading up to Christmas.