Monday 7 April 2025
Starbucks Baristas’ Union Plans Strike in Three Cities of US
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Tensions are escalating in the US ahead of the Christmas rush, as Starbucks baristas are planning to hit the streets. The Worker’s Union of Starbucks on behalf of 10,000 baristas stated that the members will strike at stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle spanning five days. The protest will commence on Friday, December 20 because of the unsorted issues over wages, staffing, and job schedules.
The Union, representing baristas at hundreds of locations across the country, said that the strike follows a purpose of pressuring the company to improve wages and working conditions. The action came after months of unproductive negotiations.
In a union press release, Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a Texas barista stated, “Striking is not our first choice. It’s a last resort, but Starbucks has failed to keep its promises to thousands of baristas, leaving us with no other option.”
Following the strike news, the Seattle-based firm expressed their willingness to continue negotiation discussions, arguing that the union representatives ended this week’s bargaining session prematurely.
On the contrary, Lynne Fox, President of Workers United, said that he is frustrated with Starbucks’ lack of progress. Lynne responded in s a statement, saying, “Given all the statements Starbucks has made about valuing its employees, we cannot accept no immediate pay increase for baristas and no resolution to the numerous ongoing unfair labor practices.”
Starbucks claimed that the company have had over nine bargaining sessions with the Union, since April, reaching more than 30 agreements on a wide range of issues, including economic matters.
The company further emphasized that it committed to improving employee experiences by offering an average wage of $18 per hour, along with benefits such as healthcare, free college tuition, paid family leave, and company stock grants. The company argued, “We need the union to return to the table. We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements.”
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