The strike of Starbucks workers in about 10 US cities spread to four others, including New York, to demand an increase in the minimum wage. The company assured that the interruptions do not have a significant impact on its operations.
Starbucks workers expanded their strike to four other American cities, including New York, the union representing more than 10,000 baristas reported late Saturday.
The five-day strike, which began Friday and initially closed Starbucks SBUX.O coffee shops in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, added locations in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. He did not specify in which New Jersey city the strike was taking place.
Starbucks said the strike disruptions do not have a significant impact on its operations because only a few locations have been affected.
“Workers United's proposals call for an immediate increase in colleagues' minimum hourly wages by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. This is not sustainable,” the coffee chain said.
The union is on strike in 10 cities, including Columbus, Ohio, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season, which could affect the company's sales.
The company has more than 11,000 stores in the United States and employs about 200,000 workers.
Talks between Starbucks and the union reached an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and hours, leading to the strike.
Workers United warned Friday that the strike could reach “hundreds of stores” by Christmas Eve on Tuesday.