On December 22, 2024, Starbucks workers expanded their strike to four additional U.S. cities, including New York, as the union representing over 10,000 baristas announced the escalation. The five-day strike, which commenced on December 20, initially affected Starbucks locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.
The union, Workers United, stated that the strike now includes New Jersey, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, although the specific location of the New Jersey walkout was not disclosed. The ongoing labor dispute stems from unresolved issues regarding wages, staffing, and work schedules, leading to an impasse in negotiations between the coffee chain and the union.
Currently, the strike is impacting operations in ten cities, including Columbus, Denver, and Pittsburgh, during a critical holiday season that may affect Starbucks' Christmas sales. Workers United has cautioned that the strike could extend to hundreds of stores by December 24, Christmas Eve.
Starbucks has been in negotiations with the union since April and reported that over eight bargaining sessions have taken place, resulting in 30 agreements. The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing approximately 200,000 workers.