Starbucks army. Spokesperson Jaycee Anderson said only about 1% of Starbucks stores were affected by the nearly three-week strike.
Hear how Starbucks workers go on strike on Red Cup Day
Starbucks employees across the country are leading a strike as the coffee chain and union groups struggle to reach a collective bargaining agreement.
Some Starbucks employees are in their third week of strike, but the company says it has had little impact on business or customers.
Starbucks Workers United, which represents about 550 employees at the chain’s approximately 17,000 stores across the United States, has been on strike since November 13, according to a news release from Starbucks Workers United. The strike began at some stores in 65 cities, and as of November 28, baristas in some 85 cities have said they are participating in demands for improved working hours and wages, as well as a resolution to allegations of unfair labor practices.
But the company said those numbers were inflated. Jaycee Anderson of the Starbucks Corps. A spokesperson told USA TODAY on Dec. 1 that only about 55 stores are affected by the strike, and 29 of the stores that were originally on strike have reopened.
The nearly three-week strike has been dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion” because it began on Starbucks Red Cup Day, when customers received a free reusable red cup with the purchase of a drink.
Here’s what we know as of December 1st.
Is the Starbucks strike affecting customers?
Starbucks said the impact on customers has been minimal.
“As we’ve said, 99% of our 17,000 stores in the United States remain open and welcoming customers, including many stores where unions have publicly announced that they will strike, but have never closed and have since reopened,” Anderson told USA TODAY. “Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any significant disruption. We are ready to discuss when the union is ready to return to the bargaining table.”
Starbucks Workers United told USA TODAY on Dec. 1 that the union has not heard from the company since the strike began.
Why are some Starbucks employees still on strike?
Starbucks Workers United’s three core demands are better working hours, higher take-home pay, and a resolution to allegations of unfair labor practices. The union did not provide details of those demands to USA TODAY.
“Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already provides some of the best jobs in retail,” Anderson previously told USA TODAY.
“The facts are clear: Starbucks offers some of the best jobs in retail, with hourly partner pay and benefits averaging $30,” Anderson continued. “People choose to work here and stay here. Our turnover rate is less than half the industry average and we receive more than 1 million job applications each year.”
Where are Starbucks employees picketing?
According to Starbucks Workers United, 2,500 members picketed more than 120 stores in 85 cities. A complete list of scheduled picketing events can be found on the No Contract, No Coffee website at nocontractnocoffee.org.
How long will the strike last?
Starbucks Workers United says the strike will not end until the company offers a fair and serious contract for consideration. There is no specific end date.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
