Starbucks union authorizes strike ahead of final bargaining

The union representing Starbucks baristas voted to authorize a strike ahead of the final stages of bargaining over contract terms.

Starbucks Workers United said 98% of union members voted in favor of a stoppage, which will occur "if necessary," according to an announcement Tuesday. No decision has been made on whether or not the workers will strike. The union represents employees at over 500 of the company's more than 10,000 company-operated stores in the U.S.

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Starbucks had been locked in a bitter, high-profile battle with the union since the first store organized in December 2021 to seek better pay, schedules and hours. Tensions eased earlier this year, when the company and the labor group agreed to resume bargaining with the aim of drafting a contract framework.

On Tuesday, Starbucks Workers United said that the company has "yet to bring a comprehensive economic package to the bargaining table," and that hundreds of charges filed since at least 2022 alleging that Starbucks has engaged in unfair labor practices remain unresolved.

Starbucks didn't respond to a request for comment. CEO Brian Niccol, who joined in September, said later that month that he would bargain "constructively" in response to a letter from the union.

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Union bargaining delegates are meeting with Starbucks on Tuesday for the last scheduled negotiating session of the year. Since resuming talks in April, the two parties have "advanced dozens of tentative agreements," according to the union. Pay is among the key outstanding matters.

"It's time to finalize a foundational framework that includes meaningful investments in baristas and to resolve unfair labor practice charges," said Silvia Baldwin, a Philadelphia barista and bargaining delegate.

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In some industries, including in the automotive sector, it's common practice to get approval for a strike ahead of negotiations as a way to pressure companies. The Starbucks union hasn't staged strikes, filed new unfair labor practice charges or lawsuits since February.

Starbucks said on Monday that it would expand parental leave benefits for baristas, based on worker feedback. Starbucks Workers United said it had made a proposal on the issue during bargaining. Raises for baristas will be smaller this year than last after the company's weaker-than-expected financial results.