The Starbucks union is currently on strike in three cities, marking a significant escalation in their efforts to secure fair labor conditions for their members. The Starbucks Workers United members have initiated their first strike in 13 months and are prepared to further intensify their strike actions leading up to Christmas Eve. This strike represents the union’s most impactful work stoppage since the launch of their organizing campaign at the coffee retailer three years ago.
Seattle, Chicago, and Los Angeles are the cities where the union has targeted strikes to apply pressure on the company. These cities were identified as crucial markets for Starbucks, and the union aims to extend the strike to hundreds of additional locations across the country by Christmas Eve unless the company commits to negotiating in good faith towards their first union contract.
The movement of Starbucks Workers United began in December 2021 with an organizing approach focused on store-by-store efforts within the company’s network. The initial breakthrough came with a successful union election in Buffalo, which granted the union the right to represent 12,000 workers at 528 stores, according to the National Labor Relations Board. While there have been challenges, including a decline in support at 100 stores, this represents a significant step forward for the union within the context of Starbucks’ vast network of 11,200 company-operated stores in the US employing over 200,000 workers.
The journey towards securing the first union contract has been marked by several strikes since November 2022, with a subset of union-represented stores participating in work stoppages. Despite efforts by the company to keep stores operational by utilizing substitute workers, only a handful of stores across three cities experienced significant disruption on Friday. Starbucks spokesperson Phil Gee emphasized that the majority of US stores remained operational, providing customers with their usual services despite the strike actions.
The Starbucks Workers United union has emphasized their commitment to reaching an agreement with Starbucks management through negotiations, with efforts dating back to February. However, the union has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on the company’s part in fulfilling the terms of the agreement reached earlier in the year.
Union delegate Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi stressed the importance of the strike as a last resort, highlighting Starbucks’ failure to deliver on commitments made to baristas. Despite the significant investments in executive talent, the company has fallen short in providing a viable economic proposal for the workers responsible for its daily operations. The union has made it clear that they will take all necessary steps to hold Starbucks accountable to the promises made in February.
While the union remains open to returning to the negotiating table, Starbucks has cited challenges with accommodating the union’s economic proposals, which they assert would require unsustainable increases in wages over the course of the contract. The company has highlighted its competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health care, educational opportunities, family leave, and stock grants, as evidence of its commitment to supporting its workforce.
The union has pointed to the company’s executive compensation, particularly the lucrative contract awarded to CEO Brian Niccol, as indicative of the potential for further investment in baristas. Despite initial progress in negotiations, the union has expressed disappointment with the company’s regression since Niccol assumed the role of CEO in September.
As the strike actions continue and the union’s demands remain unmet, Starbucks faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of its workers and move towards a mutually beneficial agreement. The dedication and resilience of the Starbucks Workers United union members serve as a reminder of the importance of advocating for fair labor practices and standing united in the pursuit of worker’s rights.
