Starbucks baristas go on strike in three cities, including Chicago

CHICAGO – Starbucks workers in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle plan to strike starting Friday.

The strike, in a post on

The strike is the latest escalation in ongoing tensions between Starbucks and the union.

Seattle-based Starbucks said Workers United ended a round of negotiations early this week.

“Union baristas know their worth and will not accept a proposal that does not treat them as true partners,” said Lynne Fox, president of Workers United.

Starbucks said it already offers $30 an hour in salaries and benefits — including free college tuition and paid family leave — to baristas who work at least 20 hours per week.

A Starbucks spokesperson issued the following statement on Thursday:

Workers United delegates ended our bargaining session early this week. Given the progress we have made so far, it is disappointing that they have not returned to the table. Since April, we have held more than nine negotiating sessions in 20 days. We have reached over thirty (30) meaningful agreements on hundreds of issues that Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues.

We are focused on improving the experience of our partners (employees) and have invested over $3 billion in the last three years. Starbucks offers a competitive average wage of over $18 per hour and top-notch benefits. Combined, they’re worth an average of $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week. Benefits include healthcare, free college tuition, paid family leave and company stock grants. No other retailer offers such a comprehensive wage and benefits package.

We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to come back to the table.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.