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In a significant development, Starbucks employees in several US cities began a five-day protest on December 20, 2024, citing unresolved issues over wages, staffing, and working conditions. The protest, which resulted in the closure of Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, is set to expand to other cities like Columbus, Denver, and Pittsburgh by December 24, according to reports from Reuters.
The strike, led by workers from the Starbucks Workers United union, which represents more than 10,000 baristas across 525 stores, has already disrupted operations at several locations. Union members have expressed their frustration over what they describe as unfair labor practices, including write-ups, “captive-audience” meetings, and firings. The protest also highlights the growing dissatisfaction over wages, with employees earning around $21 an hour. While this was considered a decent wage in 2013, workers argue that it no longer suffices given the rising cost of living and inflation, especially in large cities where many workers rarely get 40-hour work weeks.
At the heart of the dispute are the demands for better pay, increased staffing, and improved work schedules. Union member Shep Searl emphasized the need for change, stating that employees’ wages are not keeping up with the economic realities they face. Hundreds of complaints have also been filed with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing Starbucks of unlawful labor practices such as firing union supporters and closing stores during union campaigns. However, Starbucks has denied all wrongdoing, asserting that it respects workers’ right to choose whether or not to unionize.
Negotiations between the company and the union began in April 2024, with Starbucks claiming that it has held over nine bargaining sessions, addressing more than 30 topics, including economic issues. Despite these discussions, the workers’ union argues that Starbucks has yet to offer a substantial economic proposal, particularly as the year-end contract deadline approaches. The union’s proposal includes a 64% increase in the minimum wage for hourly workers, which Starbucks has described as unsustainable.
As the protest grows, the spotlight is also on the new CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol, who is attempting to restore the company’s “coffee house culture” through various changes, including a cafe overhaul and menu simplification. This labor unrest comes amid a broader trend of protests, with Amazon workers in the US also staging walkouts in the lead-up to the holiday shopping season.
With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how Starbucks will address its workers’ demands and whether the ongoing strikes will impact the company’s operations in the long run.
Sources By Agencies
