Starbucks baristas authorize strike if demands not met — just ahead of critical holiday rush

Starbucks baristas, represented by Starbucks Workers United (SWU), have voted to authorize an open‑ended strike that could hit more than 25 U.S. cities if the company doesn’t reach a new contract by the company’s Red‑Cup Day on Nov. 13. SWU says the vote is a last‑ditch effort before the busy holiday season when sales are at an all‑time high.

The union, which has more than 9,000 members out of Starbucks’ 200,000+ baristas, filed over 1,000 unfair‑labor‑practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board last week. “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt,” spokesperson Michelle Eisen, a former Starbucks employee, said. “The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”

SWU’s negotiations have stalled since late last year. The union’s current demand list includes better pay, increased staffing, and stronger on‑the‑job protections. The union’s board plans a city‑wide picketing campaign in about 60 cities on Red‑Cup Day unless a contract is approved.

Starbucks, represented by CEO Brian Niccol, has pushed back that the company already offers “the best job in retail.” In a statement, Starbucks said any agreement must reflect that reality.

Both sides blame the other for ending talks, and both are willing to resume negotiations. Starbucks has said it wants a swift resolution, but many union bars have already announced they would shut down their doors if the contract remains unresolved.

If the strike goes ahead, more than 25 baristas could be out of work during the weekend after Red‑Cup Day, disrupting coffee sales and potentially leading to a wave of disgruntled customers. Historically, workers have locked out other big retailers, so the situation could influence future labor relations in the coffeehouse industry.

Key dates:

• Nov. 13 – Red‑Cup Day: The deadline for a contract, and the day the union is set to picket if needed.
• Nov. 14‑18 – Holiday Weekend: The period when Starbucks sales usually peak, during which the union threatens to halt operations.

Industry analysts say a strike could cost Starbucks millions. It could also spark outcry over the company’s labor practices, potentially affecting its brand image during a critical sales period.

Locals in several states are already watching what happens around November. Some baristas are on standby, ready to walk out when the strike vote comes into effect, while others call for a return to the negotiation table before things spiral further.

Regardless of the outcome, this is a high‑stakes confrontation between a retailer that prides itself on “the best job in retail” and a union that wants fair wages and safer working conditions. The next few weeks will show whether the companies can prevent their workers from shutting down in front of customers with mugs of coffee.

Source: New York Post

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