Starbucks workers from 65 unionized stores around the US recently announced a strike wave. They are calling for appropriate pay and better staffing levels. The demonstration comes as talks for a new contract have ground to a halt. This continued fracture is further inciting anger from disgruntled workers for Starbucks Workers United.
The baristas’ strike has galvanized more than 1,000 baristas in 40 plus cities. Reinstatement doesn’t mean resolution. These actions clearly demonstrate the continuing hostility from the union and Starbucks management. The impending strike follows the collapse of contract negotiations earlier this spring. Both parties now leave the table stuck in a stalemate on important economic matters. Union leaders stress the importance of fair compensation and staffing levels to create a workplace that fosters emotional well-being.
Last year, relations between Starbucks and its employees seemed to be thawing a bit. This positive progress has been largely eclipsed by the turmoil that was sparked by the leadership change. Brian Niccol took over as CEO in September 2022. Previously, he helmed Chipotle at a point when widespread labor rights violations had racked up thousands of complaints. Under his non-leadership, negotiations for a new contract have broken down, leading to the current wave of strikes.
Starbucks Workers United has accomplished an impressive amount since first coming together four years ago. The union has won elections at over 600 stores so far. This is in fact only around 5% of the total U.S. footprint of Starbucks company-owned stores. The recent strike is indicative of a larger wave of anger among workers who are starting to realize their voices are not being heard.
Kaari Harsila, a 21-year-old shift supervisor from Brooklyn, expressed the sentiments of many striking workers when she stated, “We just want to be able to make a liveable wage, and to be treated like people.” Her commitment to the cause is a testament to the increasing frustration felt by employees. They sense that they operate in the trenches without getting the appreciation or pay they deserve.
Rami Saied, a union barista with two years experience at Starbucks, was eager to give his two cents on the matter. You’re shoveling shit, you’re doing back-breaking work, he explained. It undermines your sense of self-worth. His comments provided insight about the grave physical burdens of the job and the need for safer working conditions.
Despite these challenges, Starbucks reported a 1% growth in sales at global stores open for at least one year—marking its first quarterly increase in almost two years. Additionally, sales in the U.S. market stagnated. This indicates that the corporation’s return to business as usual isn’t resulting in better working conditions for workers.
Our union is committed to conversations, to engagement, and to discussions that are constructive with Starbucks management. Jaci Anderson, a representative of Starbucks Workers United, stated that both sides are willing to reconvene when Starbucks is ready to negotiate. “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk,” she affirmed.
Though those SFO sites are the initial focus of the strike, there’s the possibility for expansion to more locations if a deal is not reached in the near future. The current labor action sheds light on the most pressing and dangerous issues facing retail workers in today’s climate. Demands for equitable pay and appropriate staff levels are escalating.