Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Starbucks strike overview:
- Who: Starbucks employees, represented by Workers United, went on strike outside more than 100 stores during a Starbucks holiday event.
- Why: Employees want to negotiate for a union contract, claiming the company is “perpetually understaffed” and given inconsistent schedules.
- Where: The strikes by unionized employees occurred at more than 100 Starbucks locations nationwide.
More than 2,000 unionized Starbucks employees grabbed picket signs and marched outside their stores at 112 locations on the company’s “Red Cup Day.” Employees at stores in 25 states voted for union representation, calling for stores to be appropriately staffed and consistent work schedules, CNN reported.
“Starbucks partners are demanding the company meet them at the bargaining table to create improved standards in staffing and scheduling, along with a host of other bargaining proposals that have been crafted by partner leaders across the country,” according to statements made by Starbucks Workers United campaigns to CNN.
Red Cup Day is a difficult day for employees, but a profitable one for Starbucks, according to Law360. On this day, Starbucks gives customers free, reusable cups with the purchase of a fall or holiday drink.
Starbucks acknowledged in a public statement that “union demonstrations are scheduled at a small number of our more than 9,000 U.S. company-owned stores. … We remain committed to all partners and will continue to work together, sidey-by-side, to make Starbucks a company that works for everyone.”
Starbucks strike follows contract talks between union, company
Starbucks previously promised higher pay and benefits to non-union stores; however, the company says it can’t give unionized workers pay raises without a contract, The Associated Press reports. The union and Starbucks began contract talks at 53 stores, with 13 additional sessions scheduled.
However, there are mixed views as to the success of the talks. National Public Radio (NPR) reported Starbucks lawyers walked out on bargaining sessions and made last-minute scheduling changes, according to union spokespeople.
But A.J. Jones, Starbucks’ executive vice president of communication, told NPR “nothing could be further from the truth.” He says the company has been “overly aggressive” in trying to schedule bargaining meetings and adds that union leaders wanted to record the negotiations, which he said was illegal under the National Labor Relations Act.
Earlier this year, Starbucks paid a $6 million settlement to resolve claims alleging the company violated state laws regarding tips and wages.
What do you think of the Starbucks strike? Let us know in the comments below!
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
3 thoughts onStarbucks baristas strike at 100+ stores across U.S. over unfair labor practices
add me
Please add me
Add Me