Starbucks workers strike at more than 100 stores in largest labor action since union campaign
PBS NewsHourNov 27, 2022
Starbucks Workers Strike on 'Red Cup' Day
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Image copyright: Associated Press [via The New York Times]
The Facts
On Thursday, more than 1K Starbucks employees went on strike across the US. The strike took place on "Red Cup Day," usually the most profitable day of the year for the company. The event often sees customers queue from the crack of dawn to receive a complimentary reusable travel cup with eligible orders.
More than 100 stores faced walkouts, with members of Starbucks Workers United — the organized workers union which represents almost 7K employees at hundreds of stores — attempting to force the closure of branches.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The pay and working conditions at Starbucks are exceptionally competitive. In August this year, the average wage for staff reached $17 per hour, while the direct engagement of company leadership with employees to better understand what reform is needed in stores has resulted in increased training time and support for staff. There is no need to unionize.
Establishment-critical narrative
Starbucks' workers' efforts to unionize — with the aim of collectivizing their bargaining power to negotiate fair wage increases and better working conditions — have been unfairly hampered by the union-busting tactics of their employer. Claims of retaliation against workers and unfair labor practices are being investigated and, in the meantime, company representatives should come to the table and negotiate improvements.
