Starbucks workers in the US went on a historic five-day picket and strike led by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) from December 20 until Christmas Eve. This was in response to unfair labor practices and to demand a just collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Starbucks is a known coffee shop chain.

The strike started in Starbucks outlets in Los Angeles and Seattle. On December 24, the last day of the strike, 5,000 workers joined from over 300 Starbucks outlets in the US, according to SBWU. SBWU represents over 11,000 workers in 525 Starbucks outlets in 45 states and the District of Columbia in the US.

Starbucks workers aim to push the company for a “comprehensive economic proposal” in negotiations. According to SBWU, this should include raising workers’ wages to a minimum of $20 per hour and higher in areas having a higher cost of living. It should also include a 5% annual wage increase.

The union also demands that the CBA should cover “cost of living adjustments,” retirement plans, standardized work schedules, improved paid vacation leave, health benefits, and other perks.

SBWU considers the capitalists’ latest offer during negotiations a “grave insult” as it did not provide a wage increase and only provides a 1.5% wage increase for the coming year.

They also call on the capitalists to stop union busting in every store. SBWU is pushing Starbucks to resolve the 150 complaints regarding “unfair labor practices” including terminations and inadequate store staffing.

The workers’ fight at Starbucks gained momentum when it formed its first union in the company on December 9, 2021, in Buffalo, New York. With the continuous growth of the union, they pushed Starbucks to enter negotiations in April. It has negotiated with Starbucks at least nine times this year.

“We are fighting for [these rights] at a time when Starbucks seems to favor paying its CEO Brian Niccol up to $113 million [per year],” SBWU stated. Niccol assumed the company’s CEO position in September.

According to a striking worker in Oregon, “these strikes are an initial show of strength, and we’re just getting started.” The Starbucks workers’ fight is expected continue in the coming months until a significant agreement is reached.