Starbucks Workers Launch Historic US Strike, Call for Boycott Over Unmet Union Demands
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the fast-food industry, over 1,000 Starbucks workers have commenced a strike in more than 40 cities across the United States. The walkout, which began on Thursday, coincides with the company's annual "red cup day," typically one of its busiest sales days of the year. The striking employees are demanding better wages, improved staffing levels, and an end to unfair labor practices.
The strike is backed by Starbucks Workers United, a union that represents around 4% of the company's workforce. According to Jasmine Leli, a three-year veteran barista and strike captain from Buffalo, New York, the union has not been given meaningful proposals to finalize a contract since the announcement of the strike authorization vote. "The baristas are prepared to do whatever it takes to get this finalized contract," she said.
Striking employees are urging customers to "not buy at Starbucks while workers are on strike" as part of a campaign dubbed "no contract, no coffee." The union claims that the company has been stonewalling at the negotiating table, and Leli warned that if executives continue to refuse to listen, the business will grind to a halt.
Starbucks has responded by saying it is disappointed in the workers' decision to strike, but insisted that the "vast majority" of stores will remain unaffected. The company claims that workers are already well-compensated, with more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners.
However, union officials argue that the company's current offer is insufficient, and that they need to see meaningful proposals to finalize a contract. "We want Starbucks to succeed, but turning the company around and bringing customers back begins with listening to and supporting the baristas who are responsible for the Starbucks experience," said Michelle Eisen, a veteran barista of 15 years.
The strike is seen as a major test for Starbucks' US business, which has been struggling to regain momentum after several years of sluggish sales. The company recently announced plans to shut over 100 cafes across North America and lay off about 900 corporate staff.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the fast-food industry, over 1,000 Starbucks workers have commenced a strike in more than 40 cities across the United States. The walkout, which began on Thursday, coincides with the company's annual "red cup day," typically one of its busiest sales days of the year. The striking employees are demanding better wages, improved staffing levels, and an end to unfair labor practices.
The strike is backed by Starbucks Workers United, a union that represents around 4% of the company's workforce. According to Jasmine Leli, a three-year veteran barista and strike captain from Buffalo, New York, the union has not been given meaningful proposals to finalize a contract since the announcement of the strike authorization vote. "The baristas are prepared to do whatever it takes to get this finalized contract," she said.
Striking employees are urging customers to "not buy at Starbucks while workers are on strike" as part of a campaign dubbed "no contract, no coffee." The union claims that the company has been stonewalling at the negotiating table, and Leli warned that if executives continue to refuse to listen, the business will grind to a halt.
Starbucks has responded by saying it is disappointed in the workers' decision to strike, but insisted that the "vast majority" of stores will remain unaffected. The company claims that workers are already well-compensated, with more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners.
However, union officials argue that the company's current offer is insufficient, and that they need to see meaningful proposals to finalize a contract. "We want Starbucks to succeed, but turning the company around and bringing customers back begins with listening to and supporting the baristas who are responsible for the Starbucks experience," said Michelle Eisen, a veteran barista of 15 years.
The strike is seen as a major test for Starbucks' US business, which has been struggling to regain momentum after several years of sluggish sales. The company recently announced plans to shut over 100 cafes across North America and lay off about 900 corporate staff.
This is crazy news!! 
I'm all about supporting workers rights 
but I feel bad for customers who love their Starbucks fix 
️
. The union demands seem fair to me - more money, better staffing, and an end to unfair labor practices 
. But I get it, coffee lovers are gonna miss their daily caffeine rush 
.
and the strike is on 
. But if Starbucks wants to succeed in the long run, they need to listen to their employees' demands 
. I'm rooting for the union 
and hoping this strike brings about positive change 
. Maybe it'll even lead to some new cafe openings 
?
i get it, the company is trying to save money and all but come on, treat your employees right? they're the ones making the drinks and taking orders 24/7 and honestly, who hasn't had a bad day at work or needed a little extra cash? i hope this strike brings some serious change to the table for these workers 
but that's just not true, workers are on strike & customers are being asked to boycott 
. starbucks has been struggling lately & this strike is a big test for them 
hopefully they'll listen to the workers & work out some kind of compromise 
and treating employees with respect 
I think it's crazy that the strike is happening at this time, like, right before 'red cup day'. You'd think they'd want to make some money from all those thirsty customers, but I guess they're willing to lose sales over better wages and working conditions 
u gotta feel 4 the baristas, dey r doin it all day & every day 2 bring customers in & now dey want fair wages & decent staffing levels 