Starbucks union plans strikes in LA, Chicago and Seattle from Friday

Investing.com– A Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) workers union representing over 10,000 workers said it will go on strike in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle from Friday, with the strike set to last until at least Christmas. 

Workers United said walkouts will begin from Friday morning and “escalate each day through Christmas eve” in a social media post, citing demands over unfair labor practices. The union is seeking a foundational framework for better working conditions and pay. 

The move comes after Workers United members voted to authorize a strike earlier this week, amid little progress in negotiations with Starbucks management over worker demands. 

Over 500 company-owner Starbucks outlets unionized over the past three years. 

This week’s strike heralds more headwinds for Starbucks, which has been struggling with weakening demand and increased expenses for the past two years. 

The company named turnaround man Brain Niccol as its new CEO earlier this year. Niccol, who is credited with helping revitalize fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG), had continued negotiations with unions.