Starbucks Workers United to Vote on Strike Authorization

Starbucks Workers United, the union representing baristas, has initiated a strike authorization vote starting Friday as it seeks to secure a contract with the coffee giant. The union, which began organizing at Starbucks in 2021 and now represents over 12,000 workers across 650 stores, plans rallies and pickets across the country during the voting period, with 70 events scheduled in 60 cities from Friday through November 1. If approved, the strike would be open-ended, marking the union’s third national strike since December 2024.

Negotiations between the union and Starbucks collapsed in December 2024. Mediation followed in February, and hundreds of barista delegates rejected the economic package proposed by Starbucks in April. Workers United is pushing for a contract addressing three key issues: better staffing hours, higher take-home pay, and resolution of hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges. Unionized stores remain a small fraction of Starbucks’ 18,000 North American locations. Jasmine Leli, a barista at a unionized store in Buffalo, N.Y., emphasized that the union will do whatever it takes to secure a fair contract.

The union has previously held national pickets in 35 cities, claiming that settling the contract would cost Starbucks less than one day’s average sales. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson highlighted that Workers United represents only about 4% of employees, adding that the company is open to negotiations if the union returns to the bargaining table. Anderson emphasized Starbucks’ competitive pay and benefits, noting hourly partners earn over $30 per hour on average, and the company is investing more than $500 million in staffing during busy periods. Starbucks highlights strong engagement, low turnover, and high application rates, with over 1 million job applications annually.

Starbucks is currently implementing a turnaround plan under new CEO Brian Niccol, dubbed “Back to Starbucks.” Central to the strategy is the Green Apron Service program, designed to foster warm, engaging interactions between baristas and customers to make visits habitual. The initiative is supported by staffing improvements and technology to maintain fast service times, driven by growing digital orders which now account for over 30% of sales. The Green Apron Service represents the company’s largest investment in its store employees and hospitality operations. Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith stated the company will invest over $500 million in labor hours across company-owned stores over the next year. Additionally, a pilot program for assistant store managers was launched in September, creating 62 new leadership roles with 90% of hires promoted internally.

Staffing has been an ongoing concern for organized baristas, and while Niccol has faced less scrutiny than predecessor Howard Schultz, the company announced a $1 billion restructuring plan in September. This includes closing approximately 500 North American stores and laying off 900 non-retail employees. The union reported securing additional benefits for workers at 59 unionized stores affected by closures, including severance and extended health coverage. Starbucks noted that impacted partners received industry-leading offers, including reassignment opportunities and generous severance, achieved in coordination with Workers United to ensure partner support during transitions.

Starbucks emphasized continued engagement with Workers United to develop a framework for how restructuring and operational changes would affect baristas in unionized stores. The union’s strike authorization vote, if approved, underscores ongoing tensions over fair labor practices, staffing, and compensation while highlighting the broader challenge of securing meaningful contracts in unionized retail environments.

This detailed strategy reflects both parties’ efforts to balance operational efficiency and employee advocacy, with potential nationwide implications for unionized workers and labor negotiations across the U.S. Starbucks remains committed to staffing investments, labor support, and service improvements while navigating ongoing union negotiations.