(Reuters) – Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four additional U.S. cities, including New York, as announced by the union representing over 10,000 baristas late on Saturday.
The strike, which commenced on Friday and initially resulted in the closure of Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, has now extended its reach to New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, according to a statement from Workers United. The specific location of the walkout in New Jersey was not disclosed.
Starbucks has not provided an immediate response to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.
Negotiations between the coffee chain and the union have reached a stalemate due to unresolved issues relating to wages, staffing, and schedules, prompting the initiation of the strike.
The union’s strike is taking place in a total of 10 cities, which also include Columbus, Denver, and Pittsburgh, during the critical holiday season, potentially impacting the company’s Christmas sales.
Workers United cautioned on Friday that the strike may encompass “hundreds of stores” by Christmas Eve on Tuesday.
Starbucks initiated discussions with the union back in April. The company disclosed this month that more than eight bargaining sessions had been conducted, resulting in the consensus of 30 agreements.
With over 11,000 stores across the United States and approximately 200,000 employees, the strike could have significant repercussions for Starbucks during this crucial period.
(Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
