Starbucks workers expand strike, closing nearly 60 stores in several US cities

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to more cities, closing 59 stores across the United States as of Monday, according to the union, which represents more than 10,000 baristas.

The strike began Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, but has since spread to stores across the country, including in Boston, Dallas, Portland, New York City, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and St. Louis.

“We respect our partners’ right to engage in lawful strike activity, and we appreciate the thousands of partners across the country who continue to support each other and deliver the Starbucks experience to our customers,” the company said in a statement.

Workers are protesting a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.

STARBUCKS IS RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS OF FELLOWSHIP WORKERS ARE MAKING

Baristas line up outside a Starbucks in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters photos)

Starbucks Workers United said the company has failed to honor a commitment made 10 months ago to reach a labor agreement this year. Talks between Starbucks and the union have stalled with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules.

“Workers United’s proposal calls for an immediate increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners by 64% and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. This is not sustainable,” the company said.

Starbucks said the disruption from the strike is not having a significant impact on operations because only a handful of stores nationwide are affected.

UNIONIZED STARBUCKS WORKERS VOTE TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE

Baristas line up outside a Starbucks in Los Angeles, California on December 23, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters photos)

The union warned on Friday that the strike could reach “hundreds of shops” before Christmas Eve. Starbucks operates more than 11,000 stores and employs about 200,000 workers in the United States.

The company and the union have been negotiating since April. Starbucks said it has committed to an annual wage increase of 1.5% or more for union workers, although it gave a lower increase to non-union workers in any given year.

Starbucks baristas earn an average of $18 an hour in the U.S., but with benefits included — such as health care, free college tuition and paid family leave — the pay package is worth an average of $30 an hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours a week, the company said .

Baristas line up outside a Starbucks in Los Angeles, California on December 23, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters photos)

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Workers aren’t satisfied, however, noting that Starbucks’ new chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, who started in September, could make more than $100 million in his first year.

The union also wants the company to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice charges filed by workers with the National Labor Relations Board.

Reuters contributed to this report.