Starbucks is pushing to win back customers with promises of faster service and a renewed focus on its coffeehouse origins, complete with ceramic mugs and personal touches. Yet, while sales are beginning to show improvement, the company continues to battle a long-running labor dispute that could hinder its recovery.
Unionised baristas are planning another strike on Thursday, coinciding with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day promotion. Workers in at least 25 cities are expected to walk off the job, calling for better pay and staffing levels. This marks the third major strike since Starbucks Workers United was formed four years ago. Union representatives argue that recent operational changes have increased pressure on employees rather than easing their workload.
Every single day at this company has become challenging for baristas, said Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union and former Starbucks worker. “You should not be evolving to the point of running your workers to the ground.”
Starbucks said it anticipates little disruption to the majority of its more than 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores despite the strike. However, the timing could bring renewed attention to ongoing labor tensions at a critical stage in the company’s turnaround effort.
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