The Red Cup Rebellion: Nationwide Starbucks Strike Expands To 30 More Stores Across 25 Cities – CoffeeTalk

Starbucks Workers United is escalating its recently initiated strike, with plans for baristas from an additional 30 stores across 25 U.S. cities to join the movement. This expansion will increase the total number of striking locations to 95 across 65 cities. The strike commenced on Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, which has traditionally marked one of the company’s busiest sales events, where customers receive free, reusable cups with holiday drink purchases.

Despite the ongoing strike, Starbucks has claimed that operations experienced minimal disruption. They reported that this year’s Red Cup Day saw record-breaking sales and significant store traffic, with a 44.5% increase in foot traffic compared to the average for that day. The company indicated that only 49 of the total 65 stores scheduled to strike faced any interruptions in service, and 29 of these have since reopened.

Currently, approximately 550 out of Starbucks’ 10,000 company-owned U.S. outlets are unionized, alongside an additional 7,000 licensed locations, such as those situated in airports. Starbucks representatives stated that 99% of their 17,000 U.S. stores remained open during the strike, highlighting that many locations the union indicated would participate in the strike either did not ultimately close or have since resumed operations.

The striking employees are advocating for better pay, enhanced staffing levels at stores, and the resolution of numerous unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks. As of now, there is no predetermined end date for the strike, and the union organizers have indicated that more stores are ready to join if contract negotiations do not progress satisfactorily. Starbucks has expressed readiness to resume discussions with the union, which last took place in April.

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