Starbucks Baristas Begin US Strike Over Pay and Conditions
More than 11,000 Starbucks baristas across the US are set to strike over pay, working conditions, and scheduling issues. The union Workers United, representing employees from over 500 stores, announced a five-day walkout starting Friday morning in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. The strike is expected to spread nationwide, potentially disrupting services at hundreds of locations by Christmas Eve.
The union has criticized Starbucks for failing to address demands for better wages, adequate staffing, and improved schedules. Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a Texas barista, explained:
“Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas, leaving us with no choice but to strike.”
Starbucks’ Response to the Strike
Starbucks defended its compensation policies, stating that its baristas earn an average of $18 per hour, with benefits that raise the total to $30 per hour for those working at least 20 hours weekly. A Starbucks spokesperson called on the union to return to the negotiation table, emphasizing:
“We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements.”
The coffee giant also highlighted the compensation package for CEO Brian Niccol, whose annual pay can exceed $31m, tying it directly to the company’s performance. Workers United has flagged this pay disparity as one of the reasons for the strike.
Strike’s Broader Impact and Context
The strike comes as Starbucks faces flagging sales, partially due to backlash over price increases and boycotts linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict. This marks a challenging period for the world’s largest coffee chain, which continues to manage both operational and reputational issues.
The barista strike coincides with Teamsters union protests against Amazon, where delivery drivers at seven facilities have walked out, demanding labor contract negotiations during the critical pre-Christmas shipping rush.
External Link: Learn more about the Starbucks strike at BBC News.
Internal Link: Explore workplace trends and labor news at Kenkou Land.
