Starbucks unionized baristas launch strike on Red Cup Day

Investing.com -- More than 1,000 Starbucks unionized baristas in over 40 U.S. cities began an open-ended strike on Thursday, according to the union, intensifying their campaign for a collective bargaining agreement covering pay and benefits.

The walkout started with 65 stores and coincides with Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, a holiday promotion that typically generates increased customer traffic.

Starbucks Workers United, which represents employees at more than 550 U.S. locations, announced plans for rallies at 4 p.m. local time in over a dozen cities. The union warned this action could become the longest and largest strike in the company’s history.

Baristas in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Austin, Portland and other cities are participating in the work stoppage.

Both the company and union have accused each other of ending negotiations late last year, with each side claiming willingness to resume talks.

According to Starbucks, the union represents approximately 9,500 workers, which accounts for about 4% of its cafe workforce.

You May Also Be Interested In

• U.S. debt tops $40 trillion
• Silo Pharma acquires software assets from Parkview Consulting for stock
• Encompass Health Corporation (EHC) files mixed shelf