• Starbucks unionized workers plan to strike on November 13 if no contract is finalized.
• The decision came after 92% of union members voted in favor of the strike authorization.
• Contract negotiations have been stagnant for several months, with workers demanding better pay and hours.
• The strike would potentially impact more than 25 cities during the busy holiday season.
• Starbucks claims to offer the best retail jobs and says it's ready to resume negotiations.

Unionized Starbucks baristas have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if a contract is not finalized by November 13, coinciding with the company's high-traffic Red Cup Day. According to the union, Starbucks Workers United, a significant 92% of participants in the vote supported the decision, reflecting their frustration over stalled contract negotiations that have persisted since December 2024. Union spokesperson Michelle Eisen stated, "Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract," emphasizing the urgency of their needs as negotiations remain at a standstill. This sentiment echoes across various reports highlighting the company's failure to propose new terms for over six months, thus escalating the risk of the upcoming strike, which could disrupt services in more than 25 cities. The union is advocating for improvements including better pay and more manageable working hours, especially as holiday business peaks, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

The contract discussions have proven challenging, with both parties blaming the other for the breakdown of negotiations that initially began in May 2024. Issues raised by the union include an immediate pay increase of 65% and increased hours, yet Starbucks has described these demands as "unreasonable." The company has countered the union's claims by asserting that it already offers competitive salaries with benefits averaging $30 an hour. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson expressed disappointment at the union's readiness to strike instead of negotiating further, stating, "When they're ready to come back, we're ready to talk," according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

The strike authorization follows various worker grievances, including dissatisfaction with new policies and recent store closures. The union has filed over 1,000 charges against Starbucks for alleged unfair labor practices, a factor in their decision to escalate actions as the holiday season approaches. The union represents about 12,000 workers, which constitutes roughly 5% of Starbucks' U.S. workforce. As negotiations remain unresolved, stakeholders, including New York City's Comptroller, have urged the company to reinforce dialogue with its workforce, highlighting the pressure on Starbucks as it faces operational challenges during the peak season, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.