Portland-Area Starbucks Baristas Remain on Strike Over Labor Contract, Wage Disputes

Workers at Starbucks locations in the Portland area are on strike, demanding better labor practices and a return to the bargaining table. The strike involves approximately 2,000 workers from 95 unionized Starbucks locations across the country, with seven stores in Portland participating. On “Red Cup Day,” a crucial sales day for Starbucks, shift supervisor Maggie Bolden emphasized the union's readiness for a long-term strike. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated that 99% of locations remain open, downplaying the strike's impact. The labor conflict began after a Buffalo location voted to unionize nearly four years ago, with the union now representing over 500 stores.

Bargaining for the union's first contract has stalled, with workers insisting on negotiations over wages and staffing. Bolden noted that the company previously rejected wage proposals and offered minimal raises despite rising inflation. The union claims to have proposed significant raises, but Starbucks disputes this, highlighting a stark divide between the two sides.