Starbucks Union Workers Threaten Strike Over Contract Disputes
Starbucks union workers plan a strike next week, November 13, across U.S. stores unless a contract is finalized, addressing pay, benefits, and labor practices.
Overview
- Starbucks union members are planning a strike at U.S. stores next week, specifically November 13, coinciding with the company's free red cup distribution day.
- The strike threat by unionized baristas in at least 25 cities aims to pressure Starbucks to finalize a labor contract after stalled negotiations since last year.
- Workers are demanding a contract that includes a 65% immediate pay increase, a 77% increase over three years, and 20 hours per week for benefits eligibility.
- Starbucks expressed disappointment, preferring negotiation over a strike, and aims to finalize an agreement by late 2024, emphasizing their competitive pay and benefits.
- The Starbucks Workers United union has filed over 1,000 charges against the company for alleged unfair labor practices, contributing to the current strike authorization.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Starbucks strike with neutrality, presenting both the company's and the union's perspectives without overt bias. They detail the union's strike plans and demands while also including Starbucks' disappointment and counter-arguments regarding pay and benefits. The reporting provides a balanced overview of the dispute.
"Starbucks unionized workers say they plan to strike on Nov. 13 — when the coffee chain will hold its annual Red Cup Day promotion — unless the company finalizes a labor contract by that date."
CBS News"Starbucks’ union members have voted to strike at the company’s U.S. stores next week unless it finalizes a contract agreement, the union said Wednesday."
ABC News"Starbucks’ union members have voted to strike at the company’s U.S. stores next week unless it finalizes a contract agreement, the union said Wednesday."
Associated PressArticles (5)
Center (3)
FAQ
The union workers are demanding a 65% immediate pay increase, a 77% increase over three years, and 20 hours per week of work to qualify for benefits eligibility.
Negotiations stalled because Starbucks backtracked on previous agreements in December 2024, leading to the collapse of talks and a large strike; mediation in early 2025 was unproductive, and union members rejected Starbucks’ latest economic proposal in April 2025.
Starbucks expressed disappointment over the strike threat, prefers negotiation over strikes, states its pay and benefits are competitive, and remains optimistic about reaching a fair and equitable contract by late 2024; it also contends that Workers United walked away from bargaining and invites them to return to the table.
Workers cite systemic problems including short staffing, unpredictable scheduling, low pay, rising healthcare costs, harassment, broken equipment, and unfair discipline as reasons for organizing and striking.
The strike is planned to coincide with Starbucks’ free red cup distribution day, likely to maximize visibility and impact during a high-traffic promotional event.
History
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