More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers at 65 U.S. stores began an open-ended strike on Thursday to protest a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company. The strike, which began on Red Cup Day, one of Starbucks' busiest promotional events, aims to disrupt business and draw attention to the union's demands. Stores in 45 cities across the U.S. are participating.
Unionized workers are protesting because Starbucks has not yet reached a contract agreement. Key issues include demands for better hours, improved staffing to address routine long customer wait times, and ensuring workers receive the required 20 hours per week for benefits. They also seek higher pay and the resolution of hundreds of charges alleging retaliatory firings and the company's failure to bargain over policy changes.
Starbucks maintains it offers competitive wages and benefits, including paid family leave and tuition coverage. The company states that the union walked away from negotiations and expresses readiness to reach a deal. Starbucks also claims surveys show employee satisfaction and a turnover rate half the industry average.
This strike follows previous Red Cup Day walkouts in 2022 and 2023, and a larger strike in November 2023 that closed 59 stores. Experts suggest that while unionized stores are a minority, visible strikes can be an effective tactic in the retail industry, which relie... download the app to read more
YoyoFeed ! Follow top global news sources, read AI-powered summaries, ask AI your questions, translate news into your language, and join live chats — all with YoyoFeed!
