Starbucks Barista Strike Expands to New Hampshire
The Starbucks Barista Strike has made its way to New Hampshire, bringing significant attention to workers’ rights and labor practices. Baristas began to picket at locations in Epping, Stratham, and Seabrook on Thursday as part of the nationwide “Red Cup Rebellion.” This movement, which started on November 13, has seen over 145 stores participating in strikes across the United States.
Details of the Strike
At the Stratham store, employees closed the cafe early, normally operating until 9:00 PM, but shutting its doors by 12:30 PM. Scott Lasalette, a barista on the picket line in Epping, stated, “We’re not staffed properly, so we’re overworked,” emphasizing the need for better pay and working conditions. Another participant, Cailyn Heath, a shift supervisor, mentioned that the strike aims for improvements in wages and affordable living conditions.
Impact of the Labor Action
Nationwide, the strike began with walkouts at 65 stores in more than 40 cities, with additional actions ongoing each week. The union demands address numerous unresolved unfair labor practice charges, alleging more violations by Starbucks than any employer in modern history. Key issues include the wrongful termination of union members and the company’s reluctance to negotiate policies like a controversial dress code.
- Number of stores on strike: 145+
- Impact on staffing at the Epping store: Less than half the usual staff
- Starbucks claim: “99% of our 17,000 U.S. locations remain open.”
- CEO pay in relation to median barista earnings: 6666 times higher.
Community and Union Support
The strike has gained traction through support from the Teamsters Union, which prohibits its members from crossing picket lines. On the strike’s first day in New Hampshire, a Teamster delivery driver refused to deliver to the Stratham location. April Richer, a Dover Teamster, joined her fellow union members on the picket line to show solidarity.
The union has issued a call to potential customers to refrain from patronizing Starbucks while the strike is active. An email sent from the union outlined a plan for December 15, urging allies nationwide to visit non-union Starbucks stores and encourage customers to stop buying Starbucks products.
Significant Pledges and Support
- More than 200,000 individuals have pledged “No Contract, No Coffee.”
- Organizations supporting the strike include major unions, Peace Action, and the Sunrise Movement.
As the strike progresses, picketing efforts will continue, with a focus on the Starbucks store at Seabrook Crossing on Friday morning. Community involvement, including encouragement from the New Hampshire AFL-CIO, highlights the increasing mobilization around these labor issues.
