Starbucks baristas strike to expand to 300+ stores nationwide

Starbucks’ fast-moving baristas strike for unfair labor practice is expected to reach historic levels on Tuesday as hundreds of stores across the country Get ready to join the rides at the coffee giant.

The Starbucks Workers United strike triggered by failed union contract negotiations, began Friday and is expected to continue escalating through the holidays — potentially affecting more than 300 stores nationwide, according to Workers United.

Baristas in Boston, Philadelphia, Portland and Tucson walked out Monday, joining their colleagues already on strike in Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle and St. Louis.

“The holiday season is supposed to be magical at Starbucks, but for too many of us, there’s a darker side to the mint mocha and gingerbread latte,” Illinois negotiator Arloa Flohr wrote in a statement. “I am a mother of three children, including my daughter who is diabetic. I know what it’s like to panic because my hours have been cut and I won’t be able to pay my bills and I could lose access to health care, including my daughter’s. That’s why we’re adamant that Starbucks invest in baristas like me.”

STARBUCKS CEO DOUBLE PARENTAL LEAVE Amid Efforts To Implement

United Workers reported that Starbucks backed away from previous commitments by offering an economic package in December with no wage increases for unionized baristas and a guarantee of just 1.5% in future years.

The raise will amount to less than 50 cents an hour for most baristas, according to the union.

Elected officials on Sunday joined picket workers, including Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and New York Comptroller Brad Lander.

Sarah Kelly, executive vice president and general partner of Starbucks, fired statement noting that only “a very small number of shops” were temporarily closed during the strikes.

Only about 170 Starbucks stores did not open as planned coffee chain told FOX Business on Tuesday. With more than 10,000 company-operated stores, 98% of stores and over 200,000 employees continue to serve customers.

“The majority of Starbucks stores nationwide have opened as planned and are busy with customers enjoying the holidays,” Kelly wrote in the statement. “Some of the stores that temporarily closed earlier in the weekend have reopened as associates try to get back to work.”

STARBUCKS CEO SAYS BETTER MOBILE APP PRICING TRANSPARENCY NEEDED

The company said it offers a competitive average wage of more than $18 an hour and “best-in-class benefits,” including health, free college tuitionpaid family leave and company stock grants.

“No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package,” Kelly wrote. “Workers United’s proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners by 64% and by 77% for the duration of the three-year contract. These offerings are not sustainable, especially when the investments we continue to make in our overall benefits package are the hallmark of what sets us apart as an employer—and what makes us proud to work at Starbucks.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Starbucks says the union opted out of bargaining last week.

“We are ready to continue negotiations when the union returns to the negotiating table,” the statement said.