Starbucks Workers Strike Grows to 300 Locations Across the U.S.

Starbucks baristas have intensified their strike, now affecting over 300 locations across the United States. The protest, organized by Starbucks Workers United, involves about 10,000 workers who are demanding better wages and work conditions. The strike, which began last Friday, has spread to major cities, including New York, Boston, Dallas, and Denver.

• Widespread Strike: Over 10,000 Starbucks baristas across 300+ locations are striking, demanding better wages and working conditions during one of the company’s busiest seasons.
• Union Demands vs. Company Response: Starbucks Workers United, representing workers at 500 stores, seeks wage increases, but Starbucks deems the proposed 64% hike unsustainable, citing current pay averages of $18/hour with benefits.
• Financial Impact Unclear: While typical stores generate $4,000–$8,000 daily, Starbucks claims the strike has not significantly disrupted operations, though union leaders dispute this.
• Negotiation Stalemate: After eight bargaining sessions since April, unresolved issues around wages and staffing persist, with both sides calling on the other to advance talks.

The strike’s impact on Starbucks’ business is unclear. A typical Starbucks location generates between $4,000 and $8,000 daily, with higher figures during the holiday season. Despite this, Starbucks claims the strike has not significantly affected its operations, as only a small number of stores have been impacted.

Starbucks Workers United represents employees at over 500 company-owned stores, which is about 5% of all U.S. locations. Starbucks, which employs around 200,000 workers in the U.S., has rejected the union’s demands as unsustainable. “Workers United proposals call for a 64% minimum wage increase, which isn’t feasible,” Starbucks stated.

Union representative Michelle Eisen disputed Starbucks’ claims, insisting they are false. “We’re ready to finalize a framework that invests in baristas,” Eisen said. Talks between Starbucks and the union have stalled over issues like wages and staffing, leading to the strike.

Negotiations between Starbucks and the union began in April, with over eight bargaining sessions held. Starbucks claims 30 agreements have been reached, but unresolved issues remain. The company says its average pay for workers is over $18 per hour, with benefits amounting to over $30 per hour.

Despite ongoing negotiations, Starbucks urges the union to return to the table. “We need the union to continue negotiations,” the company stated. As the strike continues, both sides remain at an impasse, reflecting the broader challenges of labor negotiations in the U.S.