US Starbucks workers prepare to strike if contract is not finalized by next week

"Unionized Starbucks baristas voted to authorize an open-ended strike ahead of Starbucks's high-traffic holiday season, announced Starbucks Workers United on Wednesday. The union said workers are prepared to strike if a contract is not finalized by 13 November, which is the company's Red Cup Day, and strike actions could hit more than 25 cities and escalate if there is a lack of progress."

"Starbucks Workers United, which represents more than 9,000 workers out of Starbucks's over 200,000 baristas, has filed more than 1,000 charges against Starbucks for alleged unfair labor practices to the National Labor Relations Board, the union said. Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union who left Starbucks after a 15-year career at the company, said in a statement: If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks' court."

"Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail. Right now, it's only the best job in retail for Brian Niccol [Starbucks' CEO], said Jasmine Leli, a three-year Starbucks barista and strike captain from Buffalo, New York. Things have only gone backwards at Starbucks under Niccol's leadership, but a fair union contract and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges are essential to the company's turnaround."

Unionized Starbucks baristas authorized an open-ended strike ahead of the holiday season, with a planned trigger date of 13 November (Red Cup Day) if no contract is finalized. Starbucks Workers United represents more than 9,000 workers and has filed over 1,000 alleged unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. The union seeks improved staffing, higher pay and on-the-job protections and has signaled picketing plans in roughly 60 cities. Both sides have accused the other of stalling talks but say they remain available to resume negotiations. Starbucks maintains any agreement must reflect its retail job offerings.

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