The Starbucks Workers’ Union announced on Friday that it is expanding an indefinite strike to over 120 stores across 85 cities, demanding higher pay and better staffing.
The walkout, which is expected to be the longest strike in Starbucks history, started on its Red Cup Day on November 13 with 65 stores and more than 40 cities involved.
Starbucks, which has over 17,000 coffee shops across the U.S., stated that 99% of its locations in the country are still open.
“It’s time for Brian Niccol and Starbucks executives to stop stalling and cut the excuses,” Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson, said.
A post on the Starbucks Union website stated, “This support builds on recent outreach from more than 100 U.S. Senators and Representatives directly to CEO Brian Niccol, led by Sen. Sanders and the House Labor Caucus, raising their serious concerns about the company’s return to union-busting and failure to finalize a fair first contract with baristas. Following this outreach, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) emphasized the urgency of baristas’ demands in a letter to Niccol on the eve of the strike, imploring him to return to the bargaining table in good faith and resolve its unfair labor practice charges.”
Union member, Sabrina Martinez, said, “We’re joining the unfair labor practice strike because we know that together we can build a better future at Starbucks. We know what’s broken at Starbucks and how to turn this company around. But instead of listening to us and investing in baristas, Starbucks is refusing to resolve ULPs or work together in good faith to finalize a contract that ensures the pay, hours, and staffing we need to succeed. Until they do, we’ll be on the picket line.”
Workers United and Starbucks are not currently engaged in contract negotiations as Starbucks has refused to put forth new proposals that address union baristas’ demands.
“Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption. When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we’re ready to talk”, a spokesperson for Starbucks said.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
