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Global protests support US Starbucks workers' strike
Hundreds of Starbucks employees and union supporters across 11 countries are demonstrating today in solidarity with striking baristas in the United States, according to the company's US union, Starbucks Workers United.
Strike expands across US cities
Last month, Starbucks Workers United initiated a strike that has since grown to include 3,000 baristas across more than 100 US cities. Workers are demanding higher wages, improved staffing levels, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labour practice claims filed against the company.
Starbucks responded by stating the strike impacted fewer than 1% of its stores and had "no impact" on its overall operations.
International demonstrations planned
The global action, coordinated by Starbucks Workers United, involves workers and supporters in cities across the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey. In the UK, rallies are scheduled in London, Norwich, and Glasgow, with workers in Glasgow participating in a work stoppage.
Protests are also set to take place at the world's largest Starbucks location in Chicago, where baristas will join the demonstration.
"Starbucks executives need to know: wherever Starbucks is, our picket lines will be there too,"
Diego Franco, Chicago barista
Company defends pay and benefits
Starbucks maintains that its compensation and benefits are industry-leading, noting that baristas receive an increasing number of work hours on average each week. The company has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including consumer boycotts, rising competition, customer dissatisfaction over pricing, and leadership instability.
Under CEO Brian Niccol, who took over last September, Starbucks has pledged to revitalize its brand by focusing on faster service and a return to its coffeehouse roots, including the use of ceramic mugs and handwritten customer notes. The company has also announced plans to invest over $500 million in staffing and training improvements.
Sales growth amid ongoing labour disputes
In October, Starbucks reported a 1% increase in global sales at stores open for at least a year-the first quarterly growth in nearly two years. However, sales in the US remained flat.
Despite recent progress, the company continues to grapple with a prolonged labour dispute that risks undermining its recovery efforts. Starbucks Workers United, formed four years ago, has secured union representation at over 600 stores, accounting for approximately 5% of the company's US locations.
Union leaders noted that relations with management showed signs of improvement last year, but negotiations stalled following Niccol's appointment. The two sides agreed to mediation in January but remain divided over pay, staffing, and unresolved unfair labour practice allegations.
