Starbucks Baristas Union Votes for Strike Authorization

Starbucks Workers United has overwhelmingly voted (98%) to authorize a strike, with over 11,000 baristas across 500 U.S. stores supporting the move if necessary, as final bargaining talks with Starbucks approach. The union is pushing for fair wages, benefits, and better staffing and scheduling, citing Starbucks' failure to propose a comprehensive economic package and unsettled unfair labor practice disputes. Despite hundreds of hours of negotiation and tentative agreements since April, the two sides remain at odds, and relations have cooled after initial signs of progress earlier in the year. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol recently committed to bargaining in good faith and announced enhanced paid parental leave, but the union insists on further concessions. The timing of any potential strike remains undecided as both parties prepare for the year's last negotiation session. Starbucks has yet to publicly respond to the union's latest actions.