Starbucks Strike Expands to 3 More Cities Ahead of Christmas

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to three more cities just days before the Christmas holiday.

ABC News reports that as of Dec. 23, the coffee giant’s workers are striking in Boston, Massachusetts, Dallas, Texas, and Portland, Oregon. This comes after the closure of almost 50 stores across the country on Sunday, as stated by Workers United, the company’s union.

“Nobody wants to strike. It’s a last resort, but Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice,” said Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a barista and bargaining delegate from Texas, in a statement to the outlet. “In a year when Starbucks invested so many millions in top executive talent, it has failed to present the baristas who make its company run with a viable economic proposal and resolve the pending unfair labor practices.”

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In a press release, Workers United — responsible for unionizing over 525 locations nationwide — stated that the holiday season strike is driven by unfair labor practices and negotiations with the company that have come to a standstill.

The union announced that five days of escalating strikes would persist until Dec. 24, describing this period as the company’s busiest time of the year.

98% of Starbucks Workers United Baristas Voted To Strike

Last week, 98% of the baristas represented by the Workers United union voted in favor of a strike. The goal was to secure equitable raises, benefits, and staffing; to challenge unjust labor practices; and to settle unresolved legal cases with the coffee chain.

“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.”