Starbucks workers expand strike across several US cities

Starbucks workers have extended their ongoing strike to four more cities, including New York, according to the union that represents more than 10,000 coffee shop workers, on Saturday.
The strike stemmed from failed negotiations between Starbucks and union representatives, with disputes over wages, staffing levels, and work schedules remaining unresolved.
According to news agency Reuters, the five-day strike, which began on Friday, initially impacted Starbucks locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. As of Saturday, the industrial action has expanded to include New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis.
While the union did not specify the location of the walkout in New Jersey, it confirmed that the strike continues to disrupt operations in the newly added cities.
The union’s strike spans in 10 cities, including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the festive period, potentially affecting the company’s Christmas revenue. The workers United had earlier indicated that the industrial action could extend to “hundreds of stores” by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
Discussions between Starbucks and the union began in April. The company recently reported conducting over eight negotiation sessions, resulting in 30 agreements.
The coffee chain manages more than 11,000 outlets across the United States, with approximately 200,000 staff members.