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Over 11,000 Starbucks employees across the U.S. have initiated a five-day strike to protest pay disparities, staffing shortages, and demanding schedules. The walkouts began on Friday in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with the action expected to expand daily and potentially impact hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve.
Starbucks Workers United, the union representing employees at over 500 locations, called the strike a "last resort" after more than two years of stalled contract negotiations. "Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice," said Texas-based barista Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi in a statement.
The strike coincides with mounting criticism over CEO Brian Niccol's compensation, which includes a $1.6 million base salary and potential bonuses totaling $30 million annually. Workers have decried the gap between executive pay and hourly wages, which Starbucks says average over $18 per hour, including benefits.
A Starbucks spokesperson expressed willingness to negotiate but urged the union to return to the table. However, workers argue that the company's past actions, including alleged anti-union tactics, undermine such promises.
The timing of the strike is critical, as Starbucks grapples with declining sales and backlash from price increases and international boycotts. With the holiday rush underway, the strike poses significant challenges for the coffee giant.
The walkout also highlights broader labor unrest, with Amazon workers staging protests over similar grievances, signaling a growing wave of union activism in corporate America.
