Starbucks Barista Strike Expands to 5,000 Workers Across 45 States
Striking Baristas Demand Better Wages and Fair Labor Practices
A Starbucks barista strike is expanding to over 5,000 workers at more than 300 stores in 45 states, just as the company’s busy holiday season begins. The strike, organized by the Service Employees International Union and Starbucks Workers United, aims to draw attention to alleged unfair labor practices and stalled negotiations over a contract that would cover thousands of workers.
Striking Workers Seek Better Wages and Fair Labor Practices
The striking workers are seeking an immediate increase in Starbucks’ minimum hourly wage by as much as 64%, and over 77% over the life of a three-year contract. They are also demanding the resolution of hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practices. Lynne Fox, president of the Workers Union, stated, "After all Starbucks has said about how they value partners throughout the system, we refuse to accept zero immediate investment in baristas’ wages and no resolution of the hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practices. Baristas know their value, and they’re not going to accept a proposal that doesn’t treat them as true partners."
Starbucks Response to the Strike
Starbucks has responded to the strike, stating that only around 170 of its stores did not open as planned. With over 10,000 company-operated stores, the company claims that 98% of its stores and nearly 200,000 employees continued to work as normal. In a memo to employees, a Starbucks executive called the union’s demands "not sustainable," while touting the overall benefits package workers can receive, noting that employees who work at least 20 hours a week receive $30 an hour, on average, when combining pay and benefits.
Company Ready to Return to Bargaining Table
Sara Kelly, Starbucks’ executive vice president, stated, "The union chose to walk away from bargaining last week. We are ready to continue negotiations when the union comes back to the bargaining table." The company has enjoyed a surge in investor sentiment after poaching Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol to be head of the coffee chain in August, although its share price has since declined in recent weeks alongside the broader market pullback.
Conclusion
The Starbucks barista strike is a significant development in the ongoing labor dispute between the company and its employees. As the strike expands to over 5,000 workers, it is clear that the issue of fair labor practices and better wages is a top priority for many workers. The company’s response to the strike has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that the union’s demands are not sustainable. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the two parties negotiate and whether a resolution can be reached.
FAQs
Q: How many Starbucks stores are affected by the strike?
A: Over 300 stores in 45 states are affected by the strike.
Q: How many workers are participating in the strike?
A: Over 5,000 workers are participating in the strike.
Q: What are the demands of the striking workers?
A: The striking workers are seeking an immediate increase in Starbucks’ minimum hourly wage by as much as 64%, and over 77% over the life of a three-year contract, as well as the resolution of hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practices.
Q: How has Starbucks responded to the strike?
A: Starbucks has stated that only around 170 of its stores did not open as planned, and that 98% of its stores and nearly 200,000 employees continued to work as normal. The company has also called the union’s demands "not sustainable" and has emphasized the overall benefits package workers can receive.
