Starbucks strike across US: Why are company's employees protesting and what are their demands?

Starbucks employees across multiple US cities launched a five-day strike on December 20, demanding better pay, staffing, and schedules. The protest, organised by the Starbucks Workers Union, which represents over 10,000 baristas in 525 stores, has already led to closures in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. The union warns that the strike could impact hundreds more stores by Christmas Eve.

Workers cite unresolved issues over wages and labour practices as key reasons for the protest. According to union member Shep Searl, baristas face unfair practices such as write-ups, "captive-audience" meetings, and firings. While Starbucks workers earn an average of $21 an hour, Searl said, according to reports, the wage is inadequate given inflation and high living costs, especially as many employees don’t receive 40-hour workweeks.

Hundreds of complaints have been filed with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing Starbucks of unlawful actions like firing union supporters and shutting down stores during labor campaigns. Starbucks denies these allegations, asserting that it respects workers' rights to unionize.

Negotiations between Starbucks and Workers United began in April, with the company claiming progress on over 30 agreements. However, the union accuses Starbucks of failing to present a serious economic proposal. The workers rejected an offer with no immediate wage hike and only a 1.5% increase in future years.

Starbucks argued that the union’s demands for a 64% minimum wage increase are unsustainable. Meanwhile, the company’s new CEO Brian Niccol is focused on reviving the brand by enhancing café culture and simplifying its menu.

The strike comes during the holiday season, a critical period for Starbucks, and coincides with similar labour actions by Amazon workers at several facilities.