Starbucks workers hold strike vote and plan for pickets to force first contract

Core Points - Unionized Starbucks workers are voting on a potential strike due to dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, alongside allegations of bad faith bargaining by the company [1][2] - Starbucks Workers United has organized successfully, winning elections at over 650 locations, representing more than 12,000 workers, but has yet to secure a contract [1][2] - Many baristas report financial struggles, with some earning less than $16 an hour, leading to concerns about homelessness among workers [3][4] Bargaining and Contract Issues - Starbucks Workers United claims management has significantly stalled negotiations, while Starbucks asserts the union left the bargaining table [2][5] - A strike authorization vote began on October 24 and will continue until November 2, with around 70 pickets planned across 60 cities [2] - Workers are advocating for better wages, hours, and benefits, citing violations of labor laws by the company [5][6] Company Response and Financial Context - Starbucks has faced pressure, announcing store closures, including 59 union stores, as part of cost-cutting measures due to declining sales [7] - The CEO's compensation was reported at $97.8 million, contrasting sharply with the median annual salary of a Starbucks employee at $14,674 [6] - Starbucks claims to offer competitive pay and benefits, stating that hourly partners earn over $30 on average [10][11]