A five-day strike by Starbucks employees has closed nearly 60 stores across the U.S.
The strike, initiated by the Starbucks Workers United union in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, has expanded to cities including Boston, Pittsburgh, New York, Dallas, Denver, and Portland.
The protest stems from ongoing contract disputes, with workers accusing Starbucks of failing to fulfill a commitment made in February to finalize a contract this year. The union is also highlighting numerous unfair labor practice claims filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
Despite the disruption during the busy holiday season, Starbucks insists the strikes have not significantly impacted store operations. Negotiations between the company and the union have been ongoing since spring but remain stalled over financial terms. While Starbucks has proposed a 1.5% annual pay increase for unionized workers, the union is demanding an immediate raise.
Starbucks claims its U.S. baristas earn an average of $18 an hour, with benefits bringing the total to $30 per hour. However, workers argue that they deserve more, especially as the company’s new CEO is expected to earn over $100 million in his first year.
