Baristas at Starbucks stores in the United States have voted in favor of a potential strike ahead of the high-traffic holiday season, the Starbucks Workers United union announced Wednesday.
The union stated that employees are prepared to strike if a new contract is not finalized by November 13, a key date for Starbucks’ holiday “Red Cup” promotions. The strike could affect stores in more than 25 cities and may escalate if contract negotiations do not progress.
Disputes Over Contract and Work Conditions
Both the union and Starbucks have blamed each other for stalled negotiations since late last year. Starbucks Workers United, representing roughly 9,500 workers (about 4% of the company’s U.S. workforce), has filed over 1,000 unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.
Union representative Michelle Eisen, a former 15-year Starbucks employee, said: “If Starbucks continues to delay, it should expect to see its operations halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”
The union is demanding improved staffing, better pay, and workplace protections, and has indicated plans for picketing in about 60 cities.
Starbucks Response and Employee Benefits
Starbucks maintains that it already offers industry-leading pay and benefits, including health insurance, parental leave, and tuition coverage for online courses through the University of Arizona, for employees working at least 20 hours a week.
A Starbucks spokesperson said the company expects to serve customers at most locations during the holiday period, regardless of the union’s actions.
CEO Brian Niccol has been restructuring U.S. store operations to regain customers, following six consecutive quarters of declining sales, though the company recently reported stable North American sales and a 1% increase globally.
In September, Starbucks closed over 600 stores, including its flagship unionized store in Seattle, as part of broader recovery efforts. In October, shareholders and the New York Comptroller urged Starbucks to resume negotiations with the union.
