CBS News - Starbucks workers on strike days before holidays
Amazon workers, led by Teamsters, are pressuring for a new contract, but Amazon claims there will be no impact on holiday orders. Meanwhile, Starbucks baristas are staging walkouts demanding contracts, higher wages, and more staffing. Strikes are planned to escalate nationwide until Christmas Eve unless agreements are reached. A striking employee mentioned that while some unfair labor practices were resolved, bargaining has stalled recently. Despite Starbucks offering an average hourly pay of $17 and benefits, workers are dissatisfied. The union, Workers United, represents employees at 525 stores nationwide. Union leaders claim negotiators haven't presented a serious proposal, while Starbucks accuses the union of ending a bargaining session prematurely. Starbucks has experienced a sales decline for three consecutive quarters, yet workers argue the company remains highly profitable and they seek a share of the profits.
Key Points:
- Amazon workers are pushing for a new contract, but Amazon expects no impact on holiday orders.
- Starbucks baristas demand higher wages, more staffing, and a contract, with strikes planned nationwide.
- Striking workers claim bargaining has stalled despite some progress on unfair labor practices.
- Starbucks offers $17 hourly pay and benefits, but workers want a share of profits as sales decline.
- Union represents 525 Starbucks stores; negotiations are stalled with no serious proposals from management.