Around the US, Starbucks employees are getting ready for a three-day walkout starting Friday. The workers are trying to unionize the stores. Read to know more about the happenings.
Why are Starbucks employees holding a walkout?
According to Starbucks Workers United, the labor union leading the operation, over 1,000 baristas across 100 outlets are planning to strike. This is going to be the largest strike of their one-year effort of unionization. Last month, they held their second-largest strike where 110 employees went on a day-long strike. The strike coincided with their annual Red Cup day where the firm hands out reusable cups to customers ordering holiday drinks.
Since late 2021, over 264 out of the 9,000 Starbucks stores have been trying to unionize. However, the coffee-chain is condemning the action stating the company functions better when they work directly with employees. While 50 outlets started negotiations, they did not reach conclusive points. Moreover, as per Workers United, the chain’s first unionized store in Seattle was shut down. However, as per the company, the store was closed due to security concerns.
More on the controversial procedure
Unionizing has been a controversy since late 2021. Workers United has filed over 446 allegations of unfair labor practices against the chain with the National Labour Relations Board. Moreover, some allege that the chain fired those organizing labor unions. Additionally, Starbucks also refused to negotiate. However, the firm accused the union of breaking negotiation guidelines by taping sessions and posting them online. Hence, it has filed a total of 47 complaints against the union. However, the protests and strikes are not affecting sales/ The firm’s revenue in November rose by three percent during the July-September period, reaching a record $8.41 billion.