Starbucks Baristas Announce Major Strike Amid Wage Dispute

A significant strike is set to unfold as baristas from Starbucks, represented by Workers United, prepare to protest wage and working condition discrepancies, with the action spreading across numerous locations by Christmas Eve.

Workers at Starbucks across the United States are gearing up for a major strike, as announced by Workers United, representing over 11,000 baristas. The decision to initiate a five-day walkout begins Friday morning, primarily in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, and is expected to escalate daily, potentially impacting hundreds of Starbucks locations in the lead-up to Christmas.

The union's demands focus on higher wages, improved staffing levels, and more accommodating work schedules. A spokesperson from Starbucks acknowledged the strike notice, expressing willingness to engage in negotiations. The company emphasized that its average pay for baristas exceeds $18 per hour, along with extensive benefits that they claim equate to an average total compensation of $30 per hour for employees working at least 20 hours each week.

Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a Texas-based Starbucks barista, stated that the strike is a necessary measure after claims of broken promises from the company. Workers United has brought attention to perceived wage inequalities between the baristas and Starbucks executives, particularly calling out CEO Brian Niccol, whose base salary is $1.6 million, alongside the prospect of significant performance-related bonuses and stock options.

Starbucks has defended its executive compensation structure, describing Niccol as an effective leader whose pay aligns with the company's overall performance and the interests of its stakeholders. The coffee giant, however, is currently facing challenges such as declining sales linked to recent price hikes and public backlash due to geopolitical issues, including the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza.