Starbucks Workers Kick Off Nationwide Strike In 40+ Cities On Starbucks' Biggest Sales Day Of The Year – CoffeeTalk

On Thursday, over a thousand Starbucks workers initiated a strike in more than 40 U.S. cities, marking an escalation amid stalled negotiations for their first union contract with the coffee giant. This action coincided with Starbucks’ annual “red cup day,” a significant promotional event that signals the onset of the holiday season. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the strike is classified as an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, with protests planned in major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Columbus, and Anaheim.

Initially, around 65 stores are participating in the strike, but organizers intend to widen the scope depending on Starbucks executives’ responses, urging consumers to avoid purchasing from the chain through a campaign slogan of “no contract, no coffee.” In response, Starbucks expressed disappointment at the strike vote, asserting that the majority of its stores would remain operational. The company has faced allegations from union representatives of “stonewalling” during negotiations.

The movement for unionization at Starbucks has seen more than 650 stores vote to unionize since the first in 2021, despite management’s resistance. Recent contract negotiations collapsed after the union declined Starbucks’ economic proposals. Last week, the union revealed that 92% of workers had voted in favor of an open-ended ULP strike, highlighting months of demands for improved staffing and pay, alongside the resolution of numerous unfair labor charges against the company.

Jasmine Leli, a barista and strike captain, indicated to the Guardian that the workforce is prepared to fight for a finalized contract, emphasizing the need for meaningful negotiation. Striking employees are advocating for customers to refrain from buying Starbucks products during the strike to help secure a fair contract, with Leli stating they have endured enough delays.

This strike coincides with what is traditionally one of Starbucks’ busiest sales days, posing potential challenges for the company, which is already grappling with sluggish sales. In September, Starbucks announced plans to close over 100 cafes and lay off approximately 900 corporate employees during its efforts to revitalize the U.S. business.

Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United and a long-tenured barista, remarked on the baristas’ determination to stand firm in their pursuit of a fair contract and to address unfair labor practices. She asserted that Starbucks must engage with the workforce to improve business performance and customer experience, threatening operational slowdown if negotiations do not progress.

In contrast, Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson reiterated the company’s commitment to providing competitive pay and benefits, suggesting that only about 4% of employees are represented by Workers United and emphasizing their readiness to resume negotiations. Anderson asserted that working at Starbucks is already appealing, with a relatively high applicant rate and low turnover compared to the retail industry.

Overall, the situation remains tense as both sides appear entrenched, with Starbucks emphasizing its operational stability and workers demanding recognition and fair treatment in contract negotiations.

Read More @ The Guardian