Starbucks Barista Strike Expands to More Than 300 US Locations | Global News Avenue

The union representing some Starbucks (gender) baristas announced that workers at 300 stores in the United States are participating in a strike against the largest coffee chain.

Starbucks Workers United wrote on social media site X that the strike start Events, which took place last Friday in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, now include locations “coast to coast.” The strike is due to end today.

The union argued that the company was not bargaining in good faith and that it was seeking a “fair contract.”

Starbucks calls union wage demands ‘unsustainable’

Sara Kelly, executive vice president and chief partner of Starbucks, said in a letter to employees on Monday that despite the union’s statement, “the vast majority of our stores (97-99%) will continue to operate and serve customers. We expect the impact on our overall operations to be limited.”

Kelly reiterated the company’s earlier argument that Starbucks walked away from contract talks last week and that the union’s demand for a 64% immediate minimum wage increase and a 77% increase over the three-year contract period was “not reasonable.” Sustainable. ”

Starbucks shares rose nearly 2% in recent trading but are down about 7% this year.