Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more U.S. cities, including New York, the union representing more than 10,000 baristas announced late Saturday.
Workers United said in a statement that starting Friday, it initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, but also added stores in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis. He did not say in which New Jersey city the strike occurred.
Starbucks said the disruption caused by the strike would not have a material impact on its operations, as only a small number of its U.S. stores were affected.
“Workers United's proposal calls for an immediate 64% minimum wage increase for hourly partners and a 77% increase over the course of a three-year contract. This is not sustainable,” the coffee chain said.
Unions are striking in 10 cities, including Columbus, Ohio. Denver and Pittsburgh are busy during the holiday season, which could affect the company's Christmas sales.
The company operates more than 11,000 stores and employs approximately 200,000 people in the United States.
Negotiations between Starbucks and the union stalled over unresolved issues over wages, staffing and scheduling, leading to the strike.
Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach “hundreds of stores” by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. This month, it announced that it had held more than eight negotiation sessions and reached agreements on 30 issues.
