Starbucks workers union authorizes potential U.S. strike ahead of final bargaining talks

Starbucks workers union authorizes potential strike over stalled negotiations with coffee giant.

The union representing over 10,000 Starbucks baristas has authorized a potential strike as final bargaining talks with the coffee giant are set to take place on Tuesday.

Workers United, which represents employees at 525 Starbucks locations, claims the company has yet to propose a comprehensive economic plan, with hundreds of unresolved labor disputes lingering.

The union has pushed for increased wages, better staffing, and improved scheduling, though no date for a strike has been set. Negotiations began in April to establish a foundational framework for collective bargaining and potentially settle pending legal disputes.

This comes as Starbucks continues efforts to revamp its operations under CEO Brian Niccol, who pledged to engage constructively with the union following his appointment earlier this year. Starbucks has not yet commented on the union's announcement.

The company, which operates over 11,000 U.S. stores with roughly 200,000 employees, recently raised paid parental leave from six to 18 weeks, effective March.