It follows calls from the Workers United union for higher pay and better conditions for Starbucks baristas.

Summary

More than 11,000 Starbucks baristas, represented by Workers United, will begin a five-day strike on Friday, demanding better pay, staffing, and schedules.

Starting in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, the action is expected to spread to hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve if no agreement is reached.

Starbucks highlighted its $18/hour average pay and benefits, valued at $30/hour for part-time workers.

The union criticized CEO pay disparities and accused the company of breaking promises to workers. The strike coincides with Amazon worker protests by the Teamsters union.