Holiday Cheer Turns Bitter: Starbucks Baristas Plan Strike
As the holiday season approaches, Starbucks baristas in several locations are gearing up for a strike, starting with cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle on Friday. The strike, orchestrated by Starbucks Workers United, aims to pressure the coffee giant into providing better pay for its baristas.
A Frosty Relationship
Relations between Starbucks and the union have taken a turn for the worse, despite a brief thaw earlier this year. In February, both parties agreed on a “foundational framework” for collective bargaining agreements, but since then, negotiations have stalled. The union claims Starbucks has “backtracked on our promised path forward,” while the company accuses the union of prematurely ending the latest bargaining session.
Pay Dispute
At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement over pay increases. The union is demanding a 64% immediate hike in hourly wages, followed by a 77% increase over the life of a three-year contract. Starbucks, however, has proposed no immediate pay increase and only guaranteed annual hikes of 1.5%. The company has deemed the union’s demands “unsustainable.”
Impact on Holiday Shoppers
The strike could mean longer wait times for holiday drinks and popular Starbucks merchandise, just as many Americans are taking time off work and school or scrambling to buy last-minute gifts. This comes at a challenging time for Starbucks, which has seen sales decline globally and in the US as consumers turn to other coffee options.
A Tough Year for Starbucks
In the wake of declining sales, baristas are reportedly set to receive a smaller annual pay hike next year than in previous years. Starbucks Workers United represents over 500 company-owned locations, and the strike could have significant implications for the company’s operations during the busy holiday season.
Not Alone in the Fight
Starbucks baristas aren’t the only workers taking a stand during the holiday rush. Workers at seven facilities have gone on strike to pressure their employer to come to the bargaining table. As the holiday season heats up, it remains to be seen how these labor disputes will play out.
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