Starbucks Workers Threaten Strike Amid Contract Talks

Starbucks workers, who are part of the union Starbucks Workers United, have announced plans to strike on November 13. This date coincides with the company's annual Red Cup Day, a promotional event aimed at boosting holiday sales. The union's decision comes after a significant majority of its members voted in favor of a strike, with 92% supporting the action. The workers are pushing for a first contract that includes better pay and more flexible working hours. The strike, if it happens, will start in 25 U. S. cities, with more locations potentially joining later. This would be the third national strike by the union in the past year, following protests in May over a new dress code and a walkout in December 2024. The union has given Starbucks a week to finalize a contract before the strike begins.Negotiations between Starbucks and the union have been ongoing since April 2024 but have hit a standstill. The union is seeking increased hours and higher wages, among other demands. Starbucks has stated that the union's demands have been unreasonable, while the union disputes the company's characterization of their proposals. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has claimed that the company already offers the best jobs in retail, with low turnover rates and competitive benefits. However, union members argue that the current pay is not enough for them to live comfortably. The union has proposed significant pay increases, including an immediate 65% raise and a total 77% increase over three years. They also want additional pay for working during promotional events or on weekends. The union, which started in upstate New York in 2021, now represents over 9, 500 baristas across 550 Starbucks cafes. Despite this growth, it still represents a small percentage of the company's total workforce of over 200, 000 employees across North America.