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Starbucks workers vote to strike in showdown with management

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In a recent development at Starbucks, Workers United announced on Tuesday that 98% of union baristas have voted to authorize a strike as they push for a contract with the coffee giant. This news comes as bargaining delegates are scheduled to return to negotiations with Starbucks in what is set to be the final session of the year, aiming to establish a “foundational framework” for the agreement.

The ongoing negotiations have seen both sides spend numerous hours at the bargaining table, with dozens of tentative agreements being put forward. However, despite this progress, hundreds of unfair labor practice cases remain unresolved, and the union has expressed dissatisfaction with Starbucks’ proposals regarding barista pay and other benefits.

Starbucks, in response to the strike authorization, disputed the union’s claims and reaffirmed its commitment to reaching a final agreement. The company highlighted the productive nature of the negotiations thus far, citing over thirty meaningful agreements reached on various important issues since April.

This latest development marks a potential cooling of relations between Starbucks and Workers United, following a period of mediation in late February when both parties seemed to be on a constructive path forward. Starbucks had previously resisted the union movement in its company-owned locations for over two years, leading to public backlash and even congressional hearings.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm in September, has pledged to negotiate in good faith and recently announced plans to double paid parental leave for employees starting in March. However, reports indicate that baristas may receive a smaller annual pay increase next year due to a sales downturn in U.S. locations.

The unionization drive at Starbucks has been steadily gaining momentum, with over 500 company-owned cafes now under the purview of Workers United since the first elections in Buffalo three years ago. This movement reflects a broader trend of labor activism in the retail sector, as workers advocate for fair wages and benefits.

As negotiations continue and the possibility of a strike looms, the outcome of talks between Starbucks and Workers United will have significant implications for the company, its employees, and the broader labor movement. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.

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