Starbucks workers in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle launched a five-day strike on Friday, expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s actions regarding collective bargaining and labor negotiations.
This strike, set to continue through Christmas Eve, underscores mounting tensions between Starbucks and its unionized workforce in three of its most significant markets.
Union baristas, represented by Starbucks Workers United, allege the company has failed to honor commitments made earlier this year. Despite agreeing in February to a “path forward” on organizing and collective bargaining, union leaders claim Starbucks proposed an economic package that excludes wage increases for unionized baristas, offering only a 1.5% future guarantee.
They also highlight ongoing legal disputes, stating hundreds of unfair labor practice charges remain unresolved, contrary to the company’s commitment to addressing these issues.
“Striking is never the first option,” said barista and bargaining delegate Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi. “But Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice.”
The union is advocating for significant wage increases, seeking to raise the minimum hourly pay for workers by 64% and 77% over a three-year contract. This strike serves as a critical moment in the ongoing debate over fair wages and labor rights in one of the country’s largest coffee chains.
“Workers United delegates prematurely ended our bargaining session this week. It is disappointing they didn’t return to the table given the progress we’ve made to date. Since April we’ve held more than nine bargaining sessions over 20 days. We’ve reached over thirty (30) meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues.We are focused on enhancing the partner (employee) experience, with over $3 billion invested in the last three years. Starbucks offers a competitive average pay of over $18 per hour, and best-in-class benefits. Taken together they are worth an average of $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week. Benefits include health care, free college tuition, paid family leave and company stock grants. No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package.We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table,” Starbucks said in a statement.