Unionized Starbucks Workers Threaten Nov. 13 Strike Over Contract Dispute

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Unionized Starbucks Workers Threaten Nov. 13 Strike Over Contract Dispute

Starbucks Workers United, representing unionized workers, has announced plans for a strike on November 13. This date coincides with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, a key promotional event for the company. The union seeks a finalized contract offering better pay and more flexible working hours.

Strike Authorization and Union Vote

This decision follows a recent vote by thousands of union members, with an impressive 92% in favor of the strike. The consensus emphasizes workers’ demand for improved labor conditions.

Strike Details

Strike planned to begin in 25 U.S. cities.
Additional stores may join if negotiations do not progress.

Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union, stated, “The ball is in Starbucks’ court,” urging the company to take action. This would mark the third national work stoppage for the union this year.

Background on Negotiations

Contract discussions between Starbucks and Workers United began in April 2024 but have stalled. The union is advocating for several demands:

Higher wages with a proposed pay increase of 65% and a total of 77% over three years.
Increased hours for workers.
Additional pay during peak hours, such as promotional events and weekends.

Starbucks maintains that the union’s demands are excessive. Jaci Anderson, a company spokesperson, expressed disappointment over the strike authorization. She emphasized that Starbucks is ready to negotiate.

Current Workforce Statistics

Starbucks Workers United has grown since its inception in 2021, now representing over 9,500 baristas across 550 cafes. However, this is still a small fraction of Starbucks’ overall workforce, which exceeds 200,000 employees across 10,000 locations in North America.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol stated that the company offers competitive wages and benefits, claiming that the average pay, including benefits, is around $30 per hour. Despite this, union members argue that their financial needs are not being met. Jasmine Leli, a barista from Buffalo, voiced concerns about job conditions and pay, emphasizing the need for improvement for all workers.