Starbucks employees have extended their strike to four additional U.S. cities, including New York, according to Workers United, the union representing more than 10,000 baristas. The strike, which began on Friday, has already affected stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. Now, cafes in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis are also impacted.
The five-day strike, which started on December 20, has led to closures in several locations, but Workers United has not disclosed the exact city in New Jersey where the walkout is taking place.
Starbucks downplayed the disruptions, stating that the strike has not significantly impacted its operations. The company added that only a small number of its U.S. stores have been affected by the ongoing labor action.
The dispute centers around a proposal by Workers United to raise the minimum wage for hourly workers. The union is demanding an immediate 64% wage increase and a total increase of 77% over a three-year contract. Starbucks has rejected this, calling the proposals unsustainable.
The strike is being staged in 10 cities, including Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and Pittsburgh, at a critical time during the holiday season. The walkout could potentially affect Starbucks’ sales during the Christmas period.
Starbucks operates over 11,000 stores in the U.S., employing around 200,000 workers.
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