Starbucks workers strike expands across the U.S. over pay, staffing, and schedules

The union, Workers United, says this is because of unresolved issues over pay, staffing levels, and schedules. What started as a protest in three cities has now spread to 10, including New York, Philadelphia, and Denver.

The five-day strike began last Friday, initially closing Starbucks stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. Now, workers in cities like St. Louis and New Jersey have joined the walkout. The exact location of the New Jersey protest hasn’t been disclosed yet.

Why Are Workers Striking?

Talks between Starbucks and the union began in April, but they haven’t made much progress. Workers United says the company has failed to address key issues like fair wages, proper staffing, and reasonable schedules.

🚨Union baristas are calling on EVERYONE to NOT buy from ANY Starbucks store during the duration of our ULP strikes. 🧵https://t.co/LOItQyneJb pic.twitter.com/EhYd3wWZjc

— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) December 22, 2024

Starbucks says they’ve held over eight bargaining sessions and reached agreements on 30 points. However, the union says these agreements don’t cover their most important demands.

With the holiday season in full swing, tensions have risen. Workers are striking at a time when Starbucks is usually busy with holiday shoppers. This could impact the company’s Christmas sales, which are crucial for its annual revenue.

As of now, the strike has reached cities like Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Denver. Workers United has warned that the strike could grow even larger. By Christmas Eve, it may include “hundreds of stores” across the country.

This expansion is a big move for the union, which represents over 10,000 Starbucks workers. By striking in so many locations, they hope to put pressure on the company to meet their demands.

Starbucks' Response

So far, Starbucks has not made an official comment on the latest strikes. The company typically operates more than 11,000 stores across the U.S. and employs around 200,000 workers.

While Starbucks says it has tried to resolve the issues, the union believes the company hasn’t done enough. Workers United says the company’s actions show a lack of commitment to improving working conditions for its employees.

For workers, this strike is about more than just money. Many baristas say they are overworked and undervalued. They want schedules that are fair and staffing levels that prevent burnout.

For customers, the strike could mean fewer open Starbucks locations during the holiday season. Some regulars may have to wait longer for their coffee or find other options altogether.

The union’s fight for better wages and working conditions isn’t new. Over the past year, Workers United has pushed for changes in various Starbucks locations. While some progress has been made, the current strike shows there’s still a long way to go.

With the strike growing, the union is hopeful that Starbucks will listen to their demands. Workers United believes that if they stand together, they can create meaningful change for baristas across the country.

The strike is set to continue until Tuesday, Christmas Eve. If no agreement is reached, it could grow even larger, affecting more stores and cities.

Both the union and Starbucks have a lot at stake. For workers, this is about securing better pay and working conditions. For the company, it’s about protecting its reputation and keeping its stores running smoothly.