Unionized workers from 65 Starbucks locations in the United States initiated a strike on Thursday to further their efforts in securing a collective bargaining agreement that addresses concerns regarding wages and staffing levels. Negotiations between the union and the company stalled in December 2024, and the latest economic proposal put forth by Starbucks in April was rejected by union members.
The strike, involving over 1,000 Starbucks employees in 40 U.S. cities, commenced on Red Cup Day, a significant sales event marking the start of the coffee chain’s busy holiday season. The workers’ union, Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), highlighted ongoing issues such as inadequate staffing and the need for wage hikes, emphasizing the importance of resolving these matters for the benefit of all parties involved.
Despite Starbucks claiming that less than 1% of its coffeehouses were affected by the strike, SBWU reiterated the necessity for meaningful proposals from the company to address the union’s demands. The union has seen substantial growth since its inception in 2021, with 550 out of approximately 17,000 Starbucks locations in the U.S. now unionized under SBWU.
Barry Eidlin, a sociology professor at McGill University, noted the union’s grassroots approach as a key factor in its expansion and impact. While the outcome of the strike in achieving improved wages and staffing remains uncertain, SBWU’s persistent efforts have garnered attention and support.
In Canada, the United Steelworkers (USW), representing Starbucks workers, announced successful ratification of a collective agreement at five Ontario locations. The USW expressed solidarity with the striking U.S. workers, emphasizing the importance of fair workplace conditions and urging Starbucks to engage in constructive dialogue.