A Starbucks barista strike has expanded to include 5,000 workers at over 300 stores in forty-five states, coinciding with the peak holiday season. While representing only 3% of U.S. Starbucks locations, this escalation follows an initial strike last week in three cities. The strike highlights claims of unfair labor practices and stalled negotiations on a contract seeking a 64% immediate wage hike, increasing to 77% over three years. Union president Lynne Fox criticized Starbucks for lacking investment in baristas' wages and unresolved labor disputes, emphasizing workers' value as “true partners.” Starbucks responded, with executives deeming union demands "unsustainable" and promoting existing pay and benefits.
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00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02A Starbucks barista strike has expanded to include over 5,000 workers in over 300 stores
00:07in 45 states, coinciding with the company's peak holiday season.
00:11While representing only 3% of U.S. Starbucks locations, this escalation follows an initial
00:16strike last week in three cities. The strike highlights claims of unfair labor practices
00:20and stalled negotiations on a contract seeking a 64% immediate wage hike, increasing to 77%
00:28over three years. Union President Lynne Fox criticized Starbucks for its lack of investment
00:33in baristas' wages and unresolved labor disputes, emphasizing workers' value as
00:38true partners. Starbucks responded with executives deeming union demands
00:42not sustainable and promoting existing pay and benefits.