Starbucks Union Expands Strike to 120+ Locations

The Starbucks union announced on Friday that it is broadening its ongoing strike to include over 120 stores across 85 cities. The workers are advocating for increased wages and improved staffing levels within the iconic coffee chain.

Notably, this strike is poised to be the longest in Starbucks’ history. It kicked off on Red Cup Day, November 13, initially impacting 65 stores in more than 40 cities.

This expanded strike is set to coincide with Black Friday, a peak shopping period when customers are on the hunt for deals on everything from groceries to electronics.

A prolonged strike could impact public relations negatively for the chain. Michael Duff, a law professor at Saint Louis University, noted that given the market’s current instability, Starbucks is likely aiming to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Despite the strike, Starbucks maintains that around 99% of its locations in the United States are operational. A spokesperson for the company stated that they do not expect significant disruptions, regardless of the ongoing union actions.

Striking baristas are demanding better wages, improved working hours, and a resolution to numerous charges regarding unfair labor practices connected to union-busting efforts. Even after mediation attempts in February, progress in contract negotiations has stalled, with both sides holding the other accountable for rejecting Starbucks’ offer that included at least 2% annual raises.

Harry Katz, a labor relations professor at Cornell, remarked that current labor laws allow employers to hire replacements during strikes like this, effectively limiting the leverage for workers. Workers United claims to represent more than 11,000 baristas across about 550 Starbucks locations.

Starbucks Workers United has strategically chosen to focus on busy periods like the holidays and Red Cup Day, when the company attracts significant foot traffic by offering complimentary holiday-themed reusable cups with coffee purchases.