Starbucks workers represented by Workers United are striking across dozens of cities on Red Cup Day, a promotion day for the company. The union, which represents employees at about 550 of Starbucks' 10,000 U.S. locations, is demanding better working hours, higher take-home pay, and resolutions for alleged unfair labor practices. Workers claim it is difficult to get scheduled the 19 hours per week needed to qualify for company benefits like healthcare and paid sick time, which require at least 20 hours per week on average. The union also states that some baristas earn only $17 per hour, which is below the living wage in areas like Chicago.
Starbucks disputes these claims, stating that most employees report receiving their preferred hours and that the average hourly compensation, including benefits, exceeds $30 per hour. The company expresses disappointment that the union is striking instead of continuing negotiations, asserting that they are ready to talk when the union returns to the bargaining table. The union has filed over 100 Unfair Labor Practice complaints against Starbucks in the past year.
The strike has no set end date, and union members are prepared to continue striking beyond Red Cup Day if a fair union contract is not reached and unfair labor practice charges are not resolved. Rallies are planned at participating stores across various cities in states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
