UPDATE: Starbucks unionized workers are gearing up for a potential strike on November 13, 2023, coinciding with the highly anticipated Red Cup Day, unless the company finalizes a labor contract by then. Starbucks Workers United announced this urgent development just moments ago, revealing that an overwhelming 92% of its members voted in favor of a strike.
With contract negotiations stalled since April 2024, union representatives demand better pay and more flexible hours, putting the pressure on Starbucks to act swiftly. A spokesperson for Workers United confirmed that if no agreement is reached within the next week, the strike will kick off at coffee shops across 25 U.S. cities, with additional locations joining if progress remains absent.
“The ball is in Starbucks’ court,” said Michelle Eisen, a union spokesperson and barista, emphasizing the urgency for the company to respond to their demands. This strike could mark the third national work stoppage for the union in just a year, following protests over Starbucks’ dress code in May and a mass walkout in December 2024.
Starbucks’ spokesperson Jaci Anderson expressed disappointment over the union’s decision, stating, “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk.” As negotiations face a deadlock, the stakes are high for both workers and the company, which employs approximately 240,000 people across 10,000 stores in North America.
The union, representing more than 9,500 baristas, claims to have secured 33 tentative agreements with Starbucks, primarily concerning non-economic issues. However, their primary demands include a substantial pay raise—a proposed 65% increase immediately, totaling 77% over three years, along with added compensation for shifts during peak hours.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol responded to the union’s demands, stating that they have “the best job in retail” and reiterated that Starbucks offers competitive wages and benefits. However, union members argue that the current pay is insufficient for their cost of living. “Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail,” said Jasmine Leli, a barista from Buffalo, NY.
As the clock ticks down to Red Cup Day, the world will be watching how Starbucks responds to this urgent situation. Will the coffee giant reach a compromise with its workers, or will thousands of baristas walk off the job, potentially disrupting one of its busiest promotional days of the year? Stay tuned for breaking updates on this developing story.