Starbucks on strike during Christmas: Workers demand better pay

• Starbucks Faces Strike in Three Cities.
• Workers Demand Better Pay.
• Protests to Intensify During Christmas Season.

This Friday, unionized Starbucks workers launched a strike in three major U.S. cities: Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

The protest aims to pressure the company during the holiday season and push for progress in labor negotiations.

According to the Starbucks Workers United union, this is the most significant strike in the past 13 months and will last five days.

Protests are expected to intensify in the coming days. Workers have been negotiating with the company since February without reaching a meaningful agreement.

Starbucks and Challenges in Negotiating with Its Baristas

«In a year when Starbucks has invested millions in high-level executive talent, it has failed to present a viable proposal to the baristas who keep the company running.

We will do whatever it takes to ensure they fulfill the promise made to us in February,» said Fatemeh Alhadjabood, a barista and union negotiating delegate.

The company defended its wage practices, claiming to pay an average of $18 per hour, the highest in its sector.

They also stated that they have reached more than thirty key agreements in various areas, including many related to employees’ economic well-being.

Starbucks Workers United began its unionization efforts in 2021 and currently represents around 12,000 workers across 528 locations in the U.S.

While the strike could disrupt many cafes, the company has relied on managers and non-union employees to keep stores open.

You may also like: Nuna Baby Essentials Recalls 608,786 Rava Car Seats

In addition to better pay, workers are demanding comprehensive health benefits, safe working conditions, and job stability.

Their demands also include ending retaliation against unionized workers and respecting organizational rights.

Union Alleges Unmet Promises Amid Strikes in Major Cities

The union argues that the company has failed to fulfill promises made earlier in 2024, when both sides agreed to advance negotiations.

According to Alhadjabood, Starbucks has spent millions on high-level executives but has not presented a viable economic proposal for workers.

The Starbucks strikes coincide with a period of high demand during the holiday season, potentially increasing pressure on the company.

Key protest locations include cafes in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago.

In response, Starbucks expressed disappointment, stating that Workers United had abandoned negotiations despite holding over 20 days of discussions.

Starbucks deemed the union’s wage demands unsustainable but reaffirmed its willingness to continue negotiations.

SOURCE: People en Español / La Nación.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO LISTEN TO NATALIA RAMÍREZ AND THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NEW SEASON OF BETTY LA FEA