UPDATE: Starbucks unionized workers have announced a potential strike on November 13, 2023, coinciding with the coffee chain’s annual Red Cup Day, if the company fails to finalize a labor contract by then. This announcement comes after an overwhelming 92% of union members voted in favor of the strike, as reported by Starbucks Workers United.
The urgency of this situation is palpable as thousands of baristas express their frustration over stalled contract negotiations. The union demands better pay and more flexible hours, highlighting that the outcome of these negotiations will directly impact workers across 25 U.S. cities.
“The ball is in Starbucks’ court,” stated Michelle Eisen, a union spokesperson and barista. If no agreement is reached, the strike will initiate on one of Starbucks’ busiest days, aimed at boosting the holiday menu sales. This strike would mark the union’s third national work stoppage in under a year, following protests over a new dress code in May and a significant walkout in December 2024.
Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for Starbucks, expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to authorize a strike rather than engaging in constructive dialogue. “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk,” she emphasized.
Contract negotiations between Starbucks and Workers United began in April 2024 but have reached a stalemate. While the union claims to have secured 33 tentative agreements, most of these do not address economic issues that affect workers’ livelihoods. The union is advocating for a 65% immediate pay increase, with a total increase of 77% over three years.
Starbucks’ CEO Brian Niccol defended the company’s position, stating that their current compensation is among the best in retail. “We already give them the best job in retail. We have the lowest turnover in the industry,” he affirmed. However, union members argue that the current wages are insufficient for their needs.
“Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail,” declared Jasmine Leli, a barista from Buffalo, NY. “Right now, it’s only the best job in retail for Brian Niccol.”
The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm. As the clock ticks down to Red Cup Day, the pressure mounts on Starbucks to reach an agreement that could avert the strike and its potential impact on operations. With the stakes this high, all eyes will be on the negotiations in the coming days.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and prepare for the possibility of significant disruptions at Starbucks locations nationwide if the strike proceeds.
