Starbucks baristas threaten to strike: Negotiations before decisive round

The union, representing more than 10,000 Starbucks baristas, has authorized a potential strike. This occurs ahead of the final round of negotiations with the coffee giant, scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday. Workers United, functioning as the bargaining representative for employees in 525 Starbucks locations in the USA, criticizes that Starbucks has yet to present a comprehensive economic proposal. At the same time, hundreds of legal disputes related to unfair labor practices remain unresolved. The union has long been pushing for Starbucks to increase wages, boost staffing levels, and introduce better work schedules. However, it has not yet specified when a strike might begin. Starbucks has not responded to a request from Reuters for comment. Negotiations between Starbucks and Workers United began in April, focusing on a foundational framework to guide collective bargaining and possibly resolve ongoing legal disputes. The previous negotiation round took place in September, shortly after Brian Niccol, a former top executive at Chipotle Mexican Grill, was unexpectedly appointed as the head of Starbucks. Niccol expressed in a letter to some baristas his willingness to work constructively with the union. As of September 29, Starbucks had over 11,000 locations in the USA with about 200,000 employees. This week, the company announced an increase in paid paternity leave in its locations from six to up to 18 weeks, effective March. Under Niccol's leadership, the coffee giant is undergoing a profound restructuring, aiming to rejuvenate the "coffeehouse culture." Planned measures include more comfortable seating, shorter waiting times for customers, and a simplified menu.