Starbucks Baristas Rally Across 60 Cities Ahead of Nationwide Strike Vote

Starbucks unionized baristas across the United States are rallying and preparing to strike over stalled contract negotiations demanding better pay, improved staffing, increased hours, and workplace protections. These demonstrations, part of a national movement involving around 70 rallies in 60 cities, reflect widespread frustration with what workers describe as inadequate responses from Starbucks despite significant union victories at over 650 stores. Unionized workers, represented by Starbucks Workers United, have accused the company of stonewalling negotiations after months of talks, while Starbucks asserts it has made numerous tentative agreements and remains open to bargaining if the union returns. The union is pushing for fair contracts addressing scheduling, wages, benefits, and safer working conditions, with strike authorization votes underway in multiple locations including Louisville, Madison, Oklahoma City, Ohio, and Cleveland. Starbucks counters that partner engagement remains high and turnover is below industry averages, suggesting many employees are satisfied, but the union disputes this narrative. The ongoing labor dispute highlights escalating tensions between Starbucks baristas and management as union workers demand substantive contract improvements before agreeing to a final deal.