Starbucks and its union workers are at odds over wages as tensions boil over for the third consecutive week. In New York City, a crowd of hundreds blocked the entrance to the Empire State Building, holding picket signs demanding that the company negotiate a contract with its union.
At the forefront of the protests were two men, identified as "T-bone" and "Elon", who spoke to Al Jazeera about why they're picketing. "Stop stalling contracts, negotiate with the workers and sign a contract for fair wages," Elon said as he was taken away by the police.
Starbucks Workers United claims that more than 100 baristas were present at Thursday's rally in New York City, but the company disputes this figure, saying only 25 team members were involved. The union points out that starting wages across 33 states are $15.25 per hour, a rate that Starbucks has claimed as its own.
The strike is part of a nationwide movement to improve pay for baristas and other workers in the industry. In December 2024, workers went on strike when negotiations for a contract stalled, and the union rejected a proposal that guaranteed raises but did not include improvements in healthcare packages.
Starbucks has been at odds with its workers over wages and benefits for years. The company's CEO, Brian Niccol, was brought in to address slowing sales, and he comes from Chipotle, where he faced similar allegations of union-busting and child labour law violations.
As the strike continues, Starbucks is facing increased pressure from city officials and lawmakers. New York City has agreed to a $38.9 million settlement with the company over its failure to provide predictable schedules and paid sick leave, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has joined striking workers outside a Starbucks location in Brooklyn.
The union is calling on the company to return to negotiations, but Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson says that the company is ready to talk when the union is. "We've been very clear that we're ready to talk when the union is ready to return to negotiations," she said.
At the forefront of the protests were two men, identified as "T-bone" and "Elon", who spoke to Al Jazeera about why they're picketing. "Stop stalling contracts, negotiate with the workers and sign a contract for fair wages," Elon said as he was taken away by the police.
Starbucks Workers United claims that more than 100 baristas were present at Thursday's rally in New York City, but the company disputes this figure, saying only 25 team members were involved. The union points out that starting wages across 33 states are $15.25 per hour, a rate that Starbucks has claimed as its own.
The strike is part of a nationwide movement to improve pay for baristas and other workers in the industry. In December 2024, workers went on strike when negotiations for a contract stalled, and the union rejected a proposal that guaranteed raises but did not include improvements in healthcare packages.
Starbucks has been at odds with its workers over wages and benefits for years. The company's CEO, Brian Niccol, was brought in to address slowing sales, and he comes from Chipotle, where he faced similar allegations of union-busting and child labour law violations.
As the strike continues, Starbucks is facing increased pressure from city officials and lawmakers. New York City has agreed to a $38.9 million settlement with the company over its failure to provide predictable schedules and paid sick leave, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has joined striking workers outside a Starbucks location in Brooklyn.
The union is calling on the company to return to negotiations, but Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson says that the company is ready to talk when the union is. "We've been very clear that we're ready to talk when the union is ready to return to negotiations," she said.
! But seriously, it's not ideal for the workers, I feel bad for them. The thing that gets me is how Starbucks tries to discredit the number of protesters - 100 vs 25? It's like, who's counting, right? 
Anyway, maybe this strike will push the company to reconsider its stance on wages and benefits... wouldn't it be awesome if they came out with a fair deal for their workers? 
The fact that Bernie Sanders is supporting the union is also super cool - gotta love a leader who stands up for what's right! 
So like I know the company's been low-key trying to stifle worker unions and all that jazz, but the drama is REAL right now 
. Those two "T-bone" and "Elon" dudes who were protesting outside the Empire State Building? Yaaas, they're part of Starbucks Workers United, fighting for fair wages and better benefits 
. The union's saying $15.25 an hour is the min, but Starbucks is all like "nah, we're good with whatever we want 
". Meanwhile, the company's CEO Brian Niccol comes from Chipotle history, which is, like, a whole other level of shady 
. I'm rooting for the workers, tbh 
. This strike is getting bigger and better organized every day, so let's see how long Starbucks can keep dodging their responsibilities 
so I'm watching this Starbucks thing go down and I just wanna say... 
it's not like they're asking for the moon here, just $15.25 an hour which is more than what most baristas can afford to live on in some cities 
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. They're already making a ton of cash, it's time to give their workers a fair share 
The government is already giving them a pretty sweet settlement over scheduling and sick leave, so I don't see why they need to settle for even more.
I think it's pretty unfair how they're treating these workers. Like, yeah, you wanna increase profits and all, but at what cost? They're already making like $15.25 an hour or whatever, that's barely enough to cover rent in most places. And now they're stalling on contracts... it's just not cool 
.
It's a mess, but I'm kinda rooting for the workers on this one. They're fighting for fair wages and better benefits... who can blame 'em? 
. It feels like Starbucks is being really stubborn, but at the same time, I feel bad for them because it's not fair to have no predictable schedules or paid sick leave 
. Can someone explain what's going on here? 
Meanwhile, other states are already paying $15.25 per hour, so what's the delay? 
Time for Starbucks to step up and treat its workers fairly 
. I mean, you have this CEO Brian Niccol coming from Chipotle, where he allegedly faced union-busting allegations and child labor law violations, so now he's trying to spin that as a benefit for Starbucks? 
Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders is using his platform to support the workers, which is exactly what we need more of – politicians putting people over profits 
.
. just talk to the workers already, starbucks! they've been striking for weeks and it's getting real tense 
, i mean 100+ baristas showing up in one spot in NYC is wild 
️, but at the same time i feel for these workers who are just trying to make ends meet 
this whole situation is making me think about how workers rights are really lacking in many countries 
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. Meanwhile, New York City is settlin' a $38.9 million lawsuit with Starbucks over schedules and sick leave... like, what's the point of even havin' laws if companies just gonna ignore 'em?