US Starbucks Workers Launch Historic Strike Amid Stalemate Over Union Contract
In a bold move, hundreds of Starbucks workers are set to embark on a nationwide strike in over 25 cities across the United States, as negotiations with the company over a first union contract break down. The striking workers, who make up around 4% of Starbucks' total workforce, have voted to authorize an open-ended unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, with 92% in favor.
The union, Starbucks Workers United, has been locked in talks with the company for months, demanding improved staffing and pay conditions. However, their efforts have been met with resistance from management, who claim that they are being "stonewalled" at the bargaining table. The union argues that the company's proposals are inadequate and that workers need a fair contract to protect their rights.
The strike coincides with Starbucks' annual "Red Cup Day," a promotion that typically marks one of the company's busiest sales days of the year. However, in a statement, the company said it was "disappointed" that workers had chosen to strike instead of continuing to negotiate. Starbucks CEO, Kevin Johnson, has vowed to keep the company running despite the strike, with many stores expected to remain open.
The union, however, remains resolute, insisting that customers play a crucial role in achieving their goals. In a statement, strike captain Jasmine Leli said, "We've waited long enough... We are so close to finishing this contract, and we need them to just finish it." The union has launched a campaign dubbed "no contract, no coffee," urging customers to boycott the chain during the strike.
As the strike gets underway, Starbucks' business is bracing for the impact. In recent months, the company has announced plans to close over 100 cafes across North America and lay off around 900 corporate staff in an effort to turn its US business around. The union argues that this move is a response to workers' demands for better pay and working conditions.
Starbucks Workers United spokesperson, Michelle Eisen, said, "Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract and end Starbucks' unfair labor practices." She added that if the company continues to stonewall, its business will suffer. The union has vowed to continue fighting for workers' rights until they achieve a fair contract.
The strike marks a significant moment in the US labor movement, with Starbucks workers pushing for better working conditions and a voice at the bargaining table. As the standoff between the union and management continues, one thing is clear: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for workers across the country.
In a bold move, hundreds of Starbucks workers are set to embark on a nationwide strike in over 25 cities across the United States, as negotiations with the company over a first union contract break down. The striking workers, who make up around 4% of Starbucks' total workforce, have voted to authorize an open-ended unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, with 92% in favor.
The union, Starbucks Workers United, has been locked in talks with the company for months, demanding improved staffing and pay conditions. However, their efforts have been met with resistance from management, who claim that they are being "stonewalled" at the bargaining table. The union argues that the company's proposals are inadequate and that workers need a fair contract to protect their rights.
The strike coincides with Starbucks' annual "Red Cup Day," a promotion that typically marks one of the company's busiest sales days of the year. However, in a statement, the company said it was "disappointed" that workers had chosen to strike instead of continuing to negotiate. Starbucks CEO, Kevin Johnson, has vowed to keep the company running despite the strike, with many stores expected to remain open.
The union, however, remains resolute, insisting that customers play a crucial role in achieving their goals. In a statement, strike captain Jasmine Leli said, "We've waited long enough... We are so close to finishing this contract, and we need them to just finish it." The union has launched a campaign dubbed "no contract, no coffee," urging customers to boycott the chain during the strike.
As the strike gets underway, Starbucks' business is bracing for the impact. In recent months, the company has announced plans to close over 100 cafes across North America and lay off around 900 corporate staff in an effort to turn its US business around. The union argues that this move is a response to workers' demands for better pay and working conditions.
Starbucks Workers United spokesperson, Michelle Eisen, said, "Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract and end Starbucks' unfair labor practices." She added that if the company continues to stonewall, its business will suffer. The union has vowed to continue fighting for workers' rights until they achieve a fair contract.
The strike marks a significant moment in the US labor movement, with Starbucks workers pushing for better working conditions and a voice at the bargaining table. As the standoff between the union and management continues, one thing is clear: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for workers across the country.
A barista's gotta make ends meet 
25 cities in 1 day?! 
Starbucks needs a latte more empathy 
so they're actually striking over this contract thingy... like what's the big deal? can't they just negotiate or something? 
and what's up with the "no coffee, no pay" deal? does that really work? i mean, wouldn't people just buy their coffee elsewhere? 
also, i don't get why they're doing this now, like what makes it so special? is it just because of some anniversary or something? 
They deserve a fair contract and better working conditions, and it's amazing that they're not backing down despite the company's resistance 
. The union's "no contract, no coffee" campaign is genius - let's support our workers and give Starbucks the lowdown 
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. I'm rooting for them all the way! 
The pen is mightier than the fist, but in this case, it's the collective power of thousands of Starbucks workers that will ultimately be the deciding factor. 
. It shows that workers are not just fighting for themselves, but also for the right thing to be done. And if Starbucks' business starts to suffer as a result, then maybe they'll finally listen.
. But I think it's time for workers to stand up and demand what's rightfully theirs. We should all be supporting them in this fight 
Just had to chuckle when I saw this - like, who doesn't love their fave coffee shop but if they're getting played by a company? 
Starbucks workers are totally on point with their "no contract, no coffee" campaign tho 
. The union is pushing back hard and it's cool to see them being so united & fierce 
. It's time for Starbucks to step up its game and show those workers some respect 
. Fingers crossed they get what they deserve! 
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. But in the grand scheme, it's just a promotion, and it doesn't change the fact that workers are fighting for better rights.
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Starbucks is makin profits off their labor while payin them pennies on the dollar 
boycott those stores till they get a fair contract, that's all i'm sayin 