Starbucks Workers Go On Strike — Retail Bum

One hundred unionized Starbucks stores in the U.S. went on a three-day strike starting Friday.

Employees protested unfair labor practices, including the company’s decision to shut stores that had previously voted to form a union and its unwillingness to negotiate an initial union contract.

Starbucks, however, pushed back and pinned the slow progress with contract negotiations on the union and justified its decision to shut unionized stores in the name of employee safety, CNN reported.

“They’re doubling down on their union-busting, so we’re doubling down, too,” said Michelle Eisen, a former Starbucks barista who worked at the Buffalo store, which was the first to vote for unionization a year ago.

“We’re demanding fair staffing, an end to store closures, and that Starbucks bargain with us in good faith.”

The latest protest marks the second time unionized Starbucks stores have gone on strike. The first-time employees went on a one-day strike during Starbucks’ red cup day promotion, which is when it gives away reusable holiday cups. So far, a total of 270 out of the 9,000 stores Starbucks operates in the U.S. have voted to unionize. While that may be a minuscule number, it has seemingly become a major headache for the Seattle-based coffee giant.

Earlier this year, the company’s Chairman, Howard Schultz, returned back in the interim CEO capacity soon after several stores voted in favor of unionization. Later in September, the company appointed Laxman Narasimhan as its permanent CEO.

Originally published at https://retailbum.com on December 19, 2022.