Starbucks workers across the nation are staging strikes during the busy holiday season, demanding fair labor contracts and economic proposals from the company. These walkouts began on December 20, 2022, and are set to continue until December 24, with workers highlighting their grievances as they push back against the coffee giant.
The strike, which is being organized by Workers United, involves baristas from at least ten U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Burbank, Dallas, Boston, and Portland. The union has announced plans to expand the action as they call for more than just minimal wage increases, but substantial changes to working conditions and fair treatment.
According to reports, nearly 50 Starbucks locations were shut down on Sunday as the strike gathered momentum. Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a barista and bargaining delegate from Texas, emphasized the sense of urgency behind these actions. "Nobody wants to strike. It's a last resort, but Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice," she stated, conveying the frustration among the workers.
Members of Workers United have pointed out the stark differences between Starbucks’ substantial investments in corporate leadership and the lack of meaningful offers made for baristas. Alhadjaboodi reiterated, “This is just the beginning. We will do whatever it takes to get the company to honor the commitment it made to us in February.”
The union asserts the strike is fueled by continual violations of labor practices and stalled negotiations with the management. Arloa Fluhr, another bargaining delegate from Illinois, voiced her concerns: "These walkouts, over unresolved unfair labor practice charges and the company's failure to offer a serious economic package, are just the beginning." Fluhr's long tenure at Starbucks has added credibility to her observations of the company's shifting priorities during this peak season.
Starbucks has countered the claims, stating they have engaged in negotiations since February and have held over nine bargaining sessions. The company's response included assertions of already providing competitive average pay and benefits to their workers, which they claim averages over $18 per hour.
Nevertheless, the union remains resolute, with Workers United challenging the legitimacy of the company's claims. Lynne Fox, president of the union, reaffirmed their stance, stating, “After all Starbucks has said about how they value partners throughout the system, we refuse to accept zero immediate investment in baristas’ wages.” This sentiment reflects widespread dissatisfaction over stagnant wage proposals.
Strikes also broke out over the weekend across various states, as baristas expressed their unwillingness to accept subpar terms. This nationwide effort saw participation from workers demanding accountability after months of what they describe as unfulfilled promises. Noah Dixon, another barista, pointed out the discrepancies, asserting, "Starbucks made the claims they were going to come to the bargaining table with us and for three months they’ve put no real economic proposals on the table." His words shed light on the consistent trend of disillusionment felt among workers.
The financial disparity within Starbucks was also highlighted, as Dixon lamented the cost of employing high-profile executives, remarking, "Starbucks made the claims they were going to come to the bargaining table with us and for three months they’ve put no real economic proposals on the table." It raises important questions about corporate priorities, especially when decision-makers earn significant incomes compared to the staff who directly drive the company's success.
Starbucks later claimed the disruptions from the strikes had not substantially impacted the store operations, maintaining they have sufficient staff across the majority of their establishments. They stated, "Only a small handful of our U.S. stores have been impacted." Yet, the union has made it clear they will keep fighting for substantial changes to their working conditions, which they feel are imperative, especially during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.
With both sides stuck at the negotiating table, the coming days will be pivotal. The union intends to persist with their demands, focusing on transparency and accountability from the corporate side. This strike could not only affect Starbucks’ sales during the holidays but might also expand as more baristas across the nation rally for their rights and fair treatment.
The atmosphere grows increasingly charged as union members prepare for additional actions leading up to Christmas Eve. They have formed coalitions across states, demonstrating resilience and grit as they declare their stance. The message is echoed loud and clear: "No contract, no coffee." With this battle poised to ripple beyond Christmas, it’s evident workers will not back down until they see substantive changes.
