Starbucks Workers United, a union representing members at multiple Starbucks locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, has announced plans to go on strike in response to unfair labor practices. The union aims to push Starbucks to offer better wages during bargaining sessions. The company’s proposed economic package included no new wage increases for baristas and only a 1.5% increase in future years, prompting the union to take action.

Starting on Friday and leading up to Christmas Eve, the strike will expand daily unless Starbucks returns to the bargaining table. The union estimates that hundreds of the approximately 535 stores it represents could be affected by the strike.

This strike comes after a period of relative calm following a framework agreement reached in February on bargaining issues between Starbucks and the union. The timing of the strike during the busy holiday season and amid declining same-store sales in the United States demonstrates the union’s commitment to pushing for better conditions for its members.

While the strike represents a significant escalation in action, it aligns with Starbucks Workers United’s previous short-term strikes as a way to make their demands known. However, the escalating nature of this strike will test the union’s ability to mobilize its members effectively.

Since April, Starbucks Workers United has been working with elected bargaining representatives from each store to communicate priorities at the store level. While the union has made progress in discussing bargaining updates with co-workers, organizing workers for strike actions presents a new challenge.

Baristas involved in the strike emphasize that striking is a last resort after Starbucks failed to honor its promises to provide better wages and benefits. The company’s recent hiring of executive talent has not translated into improved conditions for hourly workers, leading to frustration among union members.

During recent bargaining sessions, Starbucks offered minimal wage increases that fell short of meeting the demands of the union. The company’s failure to provide adequate economic proposals, including real investment in baristas, has fueled discontent among workers.

Starbucks has defended its position, stating that the union prematurely ended a bargaining session despite the progress made during negotiations. The company highlights its competitive wages and benefits, which it claims are better than those offered by other fast-food chains.

In response to the strike, Starbucks recently announced an expansion of paid leave benefits for parents, doubling the amount offered to parents and tripling the amount offered to birth mothers. However, union members note that the company’s actions regarding benefits often align with demands made by the union during bargaining sessions.

Overall, the escalating strike by Starbucks Workers United reflects the ongoing struggle for better wages and working conditions for baristas at Starbucks locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. As the strike progresses, both the union and the company will need to find common ground to address the concerns of workers and reach a resolution.