On Friday, Starbucks employees’ union announced that they are escalating their ongoing indefinite strike to over 120 stores in 85 cities, demanding the coffee chain giant to increase wages for employees and hire more staff.
This strike will become the longest in Starbucks history. It started on November 13, the “Red Cup Day,” with initially 65 stores in more than 40 cities participating.
The timing of the escalated strike falls on “Black Friday,” the busiest time for retailers where consumers rush to buy discounted items, including food. Following the escalation, 2500 Starbucks baristas will go on strike to demand higher wages and better working conditions.
The union representing Starbucks employees, Starbucks Workers United, wrote on social media platform X: “We are protesting against Starbucks’ historic union-busting efforts and failure to reach a fair contract. Our fight for a contract aims to truly make Starbucks the best job in retail. A fair union contract is crucial for the company’s transformation.”
“Starbucks is failing both its baristas and customers,” the statement added.
However, Starbucks stated to Reuters on Friday that 99% of its stores are still operating normally.
A company spokesperson said: “Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not expect any substantial disruptions. As the union prepares to return to the negotiation table, we are also ready to negotiate.”
Starbucks employees have been advocating for what they consider a fair labor contract for years, but negotiations between the union and the company have reached a deadlock.
The union has been inclined to take action on days that have the greatest impact on the Starbucks brand, such as the Red Cup Day or days like Black Friday, expecting a large influx of customers into Starbucks stores.
Starbucks has over 17,000 stores in the United States. Starbucks Workers United stated that the union represents over 11,000 baristas and around 550 stores.
Despite mediation in February, contract negotiations remain at a standstill. In April, Starbucks proposed a plan pledging to give employees a minimum 2% raise annually. However, the proposal was rejected by union representatives, leading to ongoing mutual accusations.
(This article is based on a report by Reuters)