The Starbucks Workers United union has announced that 98% of union baristas have voted to authorize a strike in their efforts to secure a contract with the coffee giant. Bargaining delegates are set to return to negotiations with Starbucks in hopes of reaching a “foundational framework.” Despite spending hundreds of hours at the bargaining table and reaching several tentative agreements, there are still unresolved unfair labor practice cases and a lack of comprehensive proposals from Starbucks addressing barista pay and benefits.
Starbucks has disputed the union’s claims, stating that negotiations have been productive and that they remain committed to reaching a final agreement. The strike authorization indicates a possible cooling of relations between the two sides, following a thaw in late February when they both found a “constructive path forward.” Starbucks had previously fought against the union boom at its company-owned locations for over two years, which led to backlash from consumers and lawmakers.
New CEO Brian Niccol has committed to bargaining in good faith and recently announced plans to double paid parental leave, starting in March. However, baristas may receive a smaller pay hike next year due to a sales slump at U.S. locations. Over 500 company-owned Starbucks cafes have voted to unionize under Workers United since the first elections in Buffalo three years ago.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com