The ongoing Starbucks barista strike has expanded to over 5,000 workers across more than 300 U.S. stores. Workers, organized by the Service Employees International Union and Starbucks Workers United, are protesting stalled negotiations and seeking a substantial wage increase. Starbucks downplays the impact of the strike, which began last week in three cities, asserting that 97-99% of stores remain operational. Tensions run high as workers demand better contracts amid ongoing legal challenges against the company.