Staff Reports
Today, thousands of Starbucks workers are staging a strike, which is sure to cause chaos for coffee lovers everywhere. As if dealing with long lines and complicated drink orders wasn’t enough, now customers may have to endure the horror of understaffed locations and potential service interruptions. Starbucks Workers United, a group representing around 9,000 employees at 360 stores, has organized this strike to demand better pay and benefits, just in time for the release of the company’s collectible red holiday cups.
Thousands of Starbucks workers will walk out of hundreds of locations to protest working conditions and better benefits on Thursday, one of the company’s most profitable days of the year.
The strike was planned by Starbucks Workers United,https://t.co/l0Bax9nkRJ
— Conservative News Daily (@ConservNewsDly) November 16, 2023
Dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” this protest aims to shed light on the issue of understaffing, which becomes especially problematic on days like November 16th. The timing of this strike is no coincidence, as Starbucks typically offers a free, reusable cup to customers who purchase a holiday drink on “Red Cup Day.” These workers aren’t just after a free cup, though—they’re demanding a base pay of $20 per hour for baristas and $25.40 for shift supervisors, as well as annual raises of 5% and cost-of-living adjustments.
But wait, there’s more! These striking employees are also calling for a commitment to racial justice, including protection against racial harassment and bigotry, as well as a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment. It seems like these demands just keep pouring in like an endless stream of Frappuccinos!
To add to the drama, this strike comes on the heels of Starbucks’ announcement that it will raise hourly pay by at least 3% at the start of next year. But clearly, these workers aren’t satisfied with a measly 3% raise and want to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Starbucks workers have taken such bold action. This strike is reminiscent of a similar walkout last year, where the company was accused of union-busting actions. Despite the turmoil, Starbucks still raked in record-breaking profits, bringing in $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter of their 2023 fiscal year.
In the end, it’s a battle between bean-lovers and baristas, and only time will tell if this strike will make a grande difference for Starbucks workers.
