Thousands of Starbucks workers in the US, represented by Starbucks Workers United, are initiating a walkout on one of the coffee chain’s busiest days, November 16.
This clash revolves around disputes concerning pay, scheduling, and other employment-related issues. Approximately 200 stores are anticipated to be impacted by the work stoppage.
Michelle Eisen, a union leader and barista, contends that the company has the means to improve conditions for its workers. This protest, coinciding with Starbucks’ ‘Red Cup’ day, marks the second such demonstration, disrupting operations for varying durations across different locations.
Ms. Eisen expressed anticipation for increased participation from customers and community activists in this year’s action, signaling a potential threat to the coffee brand.
“This will make a difference,” she emphasized to the BBC. “It’s something that should make the company uneasy. Their reputation is on the line.”
Starbucks, with approximately 10,000 stores in the US, downplayed expectations of significant disruptions. The company claimed to have invested hundreds of millions in higher wages, training, and new equipment. It attributed negotiation delays to the union, highlighting successful talks at several Canadian stores.
In response, Starbucks stated, “We are prepared to advance in-person negotiations with the certified unions representing our partners.” Since 2021, around 350 of the company’s 10,000 US locations have seen workers vote to join the union.
Starbucks vehemently opposed the union campaign, accused of sluggishness in negotiations, resorting to worker terminations, and store closures to impede the movement.
US administrative law judges found recurrent violations of labor laws, a stance Starbucks typically contests, maintaining innocence. Former CEO Howard Schultz faced Congress last year addressing union allegations.
The Starbucks union drive, observed closely, is acknowledged for inspiring workers in other firms. Despite witnessing wage victories in unions like UPS, campaigners, like Ms. Eisen, involved in Starbucks’ inaugural unionized store, express a bittersweet sentiment, believing their effort ignited a fervor within the national labor movement.
