Starbucks union workers announce strike vote scheduled for next week.
Unionized Starbucks baristas in 25 states have voted in favor of a potential strike next week if an agreement with corporate management is not reached. The decision comes as workers authorized their union representatives to call for a work stoppage on November 13, coinciding with Starbucks’ highly anticipated annual Red Cup Day promotion. This move underscores the ongoing tensions between the company and its employees, particularly as the busy holiday season approaches.
Starbucks Workers United, a union representing approximately 550 employees across about 10,000 Starbucks locations in the United States, cited significant support for the strike among its members. According to union representatives, an overwhelming 92% of participants voted in favor of a walkout, reflecting mounting frustrations over what they describe as inadequate staffing, insufficient pay, and the unresolved nature of numerous unfair labor practice charges lodged against the company.
The union’s frustrations are particularly pronounced among employees who report facing significant financial hardships. Jasmine Leli, a worker and strike captain from Buffalo, shared that many of her colleagues rely on government assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid despite their employment with Starbucks. Furthermore, workers have expressed concerns about irregular hours that hinder their ability to meet the 20-hour weekly requirement necessary for qualifying for certain benefits.
Union officials assert that reaching a fair contract would cost Starbucks less than a single day’s sales, suggesting that the company has substantial financial resources to address worker grievances. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Starbucks indicated that operations would continue as usual at “the vast majority” of locations, regardless of the strike’s outcome. The company expressed disappointment regarding the union’s decision to consider a strike, citing that Starbucks Workers United represents only about 4% of its partners. They reiterated their willingness to engage in negotiations and encouraged the union to return to the bargaining table.
Starbucks maintains that it offers competitive wages, averaging per hour, alongside a robust benefits package, contributing to low employee turnover rates and high applicant interest. However, the company faces scrutiny, having previously announced plans in December to cut 900 jobs and close underperforming stores in North America.
As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on the negotiations and potential actions by Starbucks employees as they seek to secure fair treatment and favorable working conditions during a critical time for the company.
