Starbucks Workers Union Strikes in LA, Chicago, Seattle Before Christmas

In a groundbreaking move, the workers union representing Starbucks baristas in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle has declared a strike just days before Christmas. Workers United, which has organized over 525 U.S. Starbucks locations, cited unfair labor practices and stalled negotiations with the company as the primary reasons behind the holiday season strike. The strike is set to commence on Friday and will run until December 24, encompassing five days of escalating protests in what the union has deemed as “three of the company’s priority markets” during the busiest days of the year.

The Catalyst Behind the Strike

According to the union, the walkouts are expected to intensify each day, eventually impacting hundreds of stores nationwide by Christmas Eve unless Starbucks honors a commitment made with the union back in February. Despite pledges to work towards a collective bargaining agreement, Workers United and Starbucks have yet to finalize a foundational framework as announced in February 2024.

Starbucks’ Response

In response to the strike announcement, Starbucks issued a statement asserting its commitment to enhancing employee experiences by offering competitive wages of $18 per hour along with benefits such as healthcare, free college tuition, paid family leave, and company stock grants. The company expressed readiness to resume negotiations with the union and urged them to return to the bargaining table.

Personal Stories from Union Members

Amidst the strike preparations, union members shared poignant stories highlighting the challenges faced by Starbucks employees. Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a five-year barista and bargaining delegate, emphasized the importance of Starbucks honoring its commitments to its workers. Similarly, Arloa Fluhr, a bargaining delegate with 18 years of experience at Starbucks, shared the emotional toll of uncertain work hours on her ability to provide for her family, especially her diabetic daughter.

These personal anecdotes shed light on the human impact of the labor dispute and underscore the urgency for fair negotiations and support for Starbucks employees. As the holiday season approaches, the outcome of the strike will not only shape the working conditions for Starbucks baristas but also send a message about the value of essential workers in today’s economy. ABC News’ Zunaira Zaki contributed to this report.