The five-day walkout, which began on Friday, has now spread to multiple cities, disrupting operations during the busy holiday season as union calls for higher wages remain unmet.
Starbucks workers, represented by the union Workers United, have expanded their ongoing strike to additional US cities, including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. The walkout, which began on Friday, initially impacted stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, and has now spread to 10 cities across the country, including Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and Pittsburgh.
The union, which represents over 10,000 baristas, has been protesting over wage disputes, staffing issues, and scheduling concerns. Workers United is demanding a significant pay increase, with proposals calling for a 64% increase in hourly wages immediately and a 77% increase over the next three years. The coffee giant has pushed back against these demands, calling them unsustainable.
Despite the strike’s growing scope, Starbucks has maintained that the disruptions have had minimal impact on operations. In a statement, the company noted that only a small number of its more than 11,000 US stores have been affected by the walkout. Starbucks also emphasized that talks with the union had reached an impasse, with key issues such as wage increases, staffing levels, and work schedules remaining unresolved.
The strike comes at a crucial time for Starbucks, during the busy holiday season when sales typically peak. The union’s actions have sparked concern that the walkout could affect Starbucks’ Christmas sales, particularly as it coincides with high demand for seasonal beverages and merchandise.
While Starbucks continues to operate most of its stores, the workers’ demands for better pay and conditions are gaining increasing attention. The strike has drawn attention to broader issues of worker compensation in the service industry, especially as inflation and the cost of living rise across the US. As the situation continues to unfold, both sides are under pressure to find a resolution before further disruptions affect the company’s performance during one of the busiest times of the year.
