98% of Starbucks Workers United Baristas Vote To Strike if Necessary: ‘Whatever It Takes’

Out of all Starbucks Workers United baristas, 98% have voted to authorize a strike, if necessary, to win fair raises, benefits, and staffing, protest unfair labor practices, and resolve outstanding litigation with the coffee chain. 

According to a press release, the union partners will take whatever measures legally necessary to protest “hundreds of still-unresolved unfair labor practice charges (ULPs) and win a strong foundational framework for union contracts.” Currently, Starbucks union partners have not decided when to go on strike. However, the overwhelming vote to strike came just as the union and delegates sat down for their last session of 2024.

“It’s time to finalize a foundational framework that includes meaningful investments in baristas and to resolve unfair labor practice charges,” said Silvia Baldwin, a Philadelphia barista and bargaining delegate, in a statement. “Starbucks can’t get back on track as a company until it finalizes a fair contract that invests in its workforce.”

She added, “Right now, I’m making $16.50 an hour. Meanwhile, Brian Niccol’s compensation package is worth $57,000 an hour. The company just announced I’m only getting a 2.5% raise next year, $0.40 an hour, which is hardly anything. It’s one Starbucks drink per week. Starbucks needs to invest in the baristas who make Starbucks run.”

Starbucks and Workers United Have Been Bargaining for Years

A giant step forward made possible by thousands and thousands of us joining together and speaking out…

🚨THIS IS HUGE.🚨 pic.twitter.com/zZZ57Am0Bm

— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) February 27, 2024

In February 2024, Starbucks and Workers United announced that they would continue to explore options where workers would receive enhancements in partner pay, modernized training and collaboration, and store innovation. The company stated at the time that it would collaborate with Workers United “as a sign of good faith.”

The coffee chain’s chief financial officer, Rachel Ruggeri, spoke about the investment decisions in 2022, “We are confident the investments we are making in our partners, our stores and our brand, will deliver significant returns, in excess of historical levels, resulting in accelerated long-term growth.”

Workers United and Starbucks have reportedly engaged in “hundreds of hours of bargaining.” However, Workers United claims that the company hasn’t brought to the table a comprehensive economic package that includes workplace protections on core issues like respect, living wages, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling.

Throughout 2024, the company’s Workers United baristas have organized over 100 stores to join the union. Partners at more than 525 stores across 45 states and the District of Columbia have unionized thus far.