TrueStar Staff 
If you find it harder than usual to get your favorite Starbucks coffee, there is a reason why. Starbucks workers began a five-day strike Friday in protest of contract negotiations. The strikes are scheduled to take place in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle and could spread to stores across the country by Christmas Eve.
Starbucks Workers United, a union for improving working conditions, said at least 10 stores closed by midday Friday.
They also said “Starbucks has failed to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this year.”
The union wants Starbucks to resolve unsettled legal issues. These include hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that have been filed by workers with the National Labor Relations Board.
The union also stated that Brian Niccol, Starbucks Chairman and CEO as of September could make more than $100 million in his first year. However, the company had proposed a package with no new wage increases for baristas who are unionized, and a 1.5% increase in future years.
Starbucks says the strike has had minimal impact.
These strikes are not the first for Starbucks during the Holidays. In November 2023 workers at more than 200 stores walked out. This was on Red Cup Day, a day where Starbucks gives out reusable red cups. There was also a strike in June of 2023 to protest banned pride displays in some stores.
Starbucks and the union seem to be at a standstill.
True Star Staff
