It's Not Just US Starbucks Workers: 10 More Countries Join The Red Cup Rebellion – CoffeeTalk

Starbucks workers and union members across multiple countries, including England and Scotland, are staging protests to support striking employees in the US, as reported by Starbucks Workers United. This strike, initiated last month, has grown to involve 3,000 baristas in over 100 cities, who are advocating for increased pay, improved staffing, and prompt resolutions to numerous claims of unfair labor practices. Starbucks claims the strike has had minimal impact, reportedly affecting less than 1% of its shops.

The global demonstrations, organized by Starbucks Workers United and supported by union members from a variety of nations, demonstrate solidarity with US baristas. Events are scheduled in major UK cities such as London, Norwich, and Glasgow, where workers are participating in a work stoppage. International actions are also occurring at Starbucks locations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey, with a notable protest planned at the largest Starbucks store in Chicago.

Union representatives assert the importance of maintaining visible protest actions wherever the company operates, emphasizing their determination to hold Starbucks management accountable. Despite the organized labor actions, Starbucks maintains that it offers competitive pay and benefits, claiming to provide more work hours to baristas compared to industry norms.

Amid rising competition, consumer boycotts, and price backlash, Starbucks has been attempting to regain customer loyalty. Under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, the company aims to revitalize its brand by enhancing service speed and returning to its coffeehouse origins, supported by a significant investment exceeding $500 million in staffing and training improvements.

Recently, the company reported a slight sales growth of 1% globally, the first quarterly increase in two years, although US sales have stagnated. Nevertheless, the ongoing labor disputes threaten to overshadow the chain’s slight recovery, adding pressure as Starbucks Workers United continues to assert its influence, having successfully secured union elections at over 600 stores, comprising roughly 5% of the chain’s US locations. Despite some progress in relations, contract negotiations have stalled, particularly following new leadership that complicates resolution efforts on critical issues such as pay and staffing, and the handling of unresolved unfair labor practices claims.

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