Starbucks baristas escalate strike on Black Friday: Here's what to know

Core Viewpoint - The Starbucks Workers Union is expanding its strike, which began on November 13, and is now in its third week, marking the longest strike since the union's formation in 2021 [1] Group 1: Strike Details - More than 120 stores in over 85 cities are participating in the strike, with over 200 baristas involved [1] - The union represents 11,000 workers across 550 stores and is threatening to make this the largest and longest strike in its history [1] - The union is seeking improved hours, higher wages, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks [1] Group 2: Company Response - Starbucks has stated that 99% of its 17,000 US locations remain open during the holiday season, including many stores that were expected to strike but did not close [1] - The company does not anticipate any meaningful disruption from the strike and is ready to negotiate when the union is prepared to return to the bargaining table [1] Group 3: Sales Performance - Holiday sales have been strong, with the company reporting its best sales day ever and the strongest Red Cup Day in store history [2] - The strike has not significantly impacted sales, as the stores involved represent a small percentage of Starbucks' overall store count and workforce [3] Group 4: Political Involvement - Over 100 lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have urged Starbucks to respond to the strike and return to negotiations [5] - Previous CEO Howard Schultz has testified on Capitol Hill regarding accusations related to the unionization efforts [6]