The union representing thousands of Starbucks workers in the United States is making a bold statement by staging a walkout on one of the coffee chain's busiest days of the year.
This action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, comes amidst a bitter and protracted fight between the union and Starbucks, with issues ranging from pay disputes to scheduling conflicts, as per to BBC News.
Starbucks Workers United Take Stand For Fair Treatment
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 16: Members and supporters of Starbucks Workers United protest outside of a Starbucks store in Dupont Circle on November 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. The group held a series of rallies on Starbuck's promotional "Red Cup Day" outside of non-union Starbucks stores to demand Starbucks respect union rights.
On November 16, approximately 200 Starbucks stores are expected to be affected by the work stoppage, coinciding with the annual promotional event known as Red Cup Day.
During Red Cup Day, customers in Canada and the US who purchase at least one-holiday beverage receive a limited edition reusable red cup, leading to a surge in store traffic. This year's event has been dubbed the "Red Cup Rebellion."
Moe Mills, a 25-year-old shift supervisor in St. Louis and a member of Starbucks Workers United, voiced the workers' demands, saying, "We see that you're still not bargaining, and we won't work unless you provide us respectable conditions to work in."
Mills emphasized that the employees are responsible for generating record-breaking profits on days like Red Cup Day and deserve fair treatment.
This year's Red Cup Rebellion continues the walkout organized by union workers in 2022. However, this time, organizers invite customers to "hold solidarity actions outside of non-union Starbucks stores to demand Starbucks respect union rights."
More than 220 such events are expected to be held nationwide, with even college students joining the cause.
Starbucks has accused Workers United of failing to engage in productive negotiations for over four months. Andrew Tull, a Starbucks spokesperson, called on the union to fulfill their obligations and negotiate contracts for the employees they represent.
A Red Cup Rebellion campaign spokesperson refuted Starbucks' claims, stating that workers have never denied a bargaining meeting. They alleged that Starbucks decided to leave negotiations only after workers began organizing more effectively, according to Time.
Challenges Faced by Starbucks Workers
The key issues driving the walkout include concerns over staffing levels on busy promotion days like Red Cup Day. Baristas like Neha Cremin, who has worked at Starbucks for four years, emphasized the challenges faced by workers during such events.
She highlighted the strain of handling multiple order types simultaneously without adequate staffing, creating chaotic and potentially unsafe working conditions.
Despite the challenges faced by Starbucks employees, not all stores have unionized. Starbucks Workers United represents around 9,000 employees across 360 stores in the US, indicating that there is still significant room for unionization within the company.
One store that successfully unionized is the Ledgewood Starbucks, whose employees voted to unionize in early August. Their decision was driven by a need to protect themselves from poor management and unfair treatment.
On Thursday, Ledgewood employees will rally outside their store to raise awareness among customers and passersby about the challenges Starbucks employees face nationwide, Patch News reported.
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