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Unionized Starbucks baristas are gearing up to strike next week, choosing one of the company’s biggest annual events, Red Cup Day, to make their point in an ongoing fight for a labor contract.
According to Bloomberg News, Starbucks Workers United, which represents employees at around 550 of the company’s 10,000 U.S. stores, said members have voted to let union leaders call for work stoppages. The planned strikes will take place in more than 25 cities on November 13, the same day Starbucks gives away its popular red holiday cups.
The union said the strike could expand if the company doesn’t make progress on reaching a contract or resolving ongoing legal disputes. It has accused Starbucks of refusing to negotiate in good faith.
The planned walkout highlights growing tension between Starbucks and its unionized workers, who have been trying to secure their first contract for years.