Thousands of Starbucks baristas across the United States are set to strike this week, with Starbucks baristas announce strike in US, according to Workers United, the union representing over 11,000 employees. The five-day strike is scheduled to begin on Friday morning in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with plans to expand to hundreds of stores nationwide by Christmas Eve if an agreement is not reached.
The strike comes amid ongoing disputes over wages, staffing levels, and scheduling. Workers United has criticized Starbucks for failing to address these concerns and accused the company of breaking promises to its employees.
Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a barista from Texas, expressed frustration with the company’s inaction, stating, “It’s a last resort, but Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice.”
The union is pushing for higher wages and fairer work schedules. Workers United argues that Starbucks’ current pay structure creates significant disparities between baristas and executives.
In response to the strike, Starbucks emphasized its commitment to providing competitive compensation. A company spokesperson stated that baristas earn an average of $18 (£14.40) per hour, with benefits that raise the total value to approximately $30 per hour for those working at least 20 hours a week.
The spokesperson added, “We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table.”
However, Workers United contends that the gap between barista wages and executive pay is unfair. Starbucks’ CEO, Brian Niccol, receives a base salary of $1.6 million, with potential bonuses and stock options that could increase his annual compensation to $31.8 million.
Starbucks defended the pay package, stating that Niccol’s compensation is tied to the company’s overall performance and the success of stakeholders.
The strike comes as Starbucks faces declining sales and backlash over price hikes. The company has also been navigating boycotts linked to global events, including the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Adding to the pressure, another major labor protest is targeting Amazon, where delivery drivers in seven US facilities have walked off the job during the holiday rush.
With Workers United representing employees at over 500 stores across 45 states, the planned strike could have a widespread impact on Starbucks’ operations during the busy holiday season. Unless an agreement is reached, this strike may amplify the company’s challenges as it works to recover consumer trust and stabilize sales.
For more latest news and update visit UK Profits.
