Days before Christmas, Starbucks workers have escalated their walkout, extending it to three more cities. Union officials are demanding that the coffee giant resolve long-standing grievances as part of an ongoing labor dispute over salaries, benefits, and working conditions. The strike has now extended to Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon; and Dallas, Texas, as of Monday. That comes after the company's union, Workers United, said in a statement that roughly 50 locations throughout the country were shut down on Sunday.
The holiday season walkout is being sparked by unfair labor practices and failed negotiations with the firm, according to a news release sent Thursday by Workers United, which has unionized more than 525 Starbucks outlets nationwide. During what it described as the company's busiest days of the year, the union announced that five days of more intense strikes would go until December 24.
Customer responses have been conflicting. Citing the significance of fair salaries and labor rights, several devoted customers have expressed their support for the workers. However, others have voiced their annoyance over limited menu options and outlet closures. Starbucks defended its labor policies and said it was open to talking with workers. Both parties are under increasing pressure to find a settlement as the strike moves into its crucial stage. Starbucks wants to prevent protracted disturbances during the profitable holiday season, and union leaders have alluded to additional expansions if their demands are not fulfilled.