As Christmas approaches, with less than a week to go, employees of Amazon and Starbucks are taking to the streets in protest nationwide, highlighting ongoing tensions between the companies and their workforce.
On Thursday morning, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters initiated what it has described as the largest strike against Amazon in the history of the United States. According to the union, the company has declined to engage in negotiations with employees, missing the crucial deadline of December 15.
On Friday, Starbucks Workers United initiated a strike that is anticipated to continue until Christmas Eve. The ongoing strike at Starbucks centers on an incomplete contract, with union representatives asserting that the company had committed to finalizing an agreement by the end of this year.
In a developing story, employees of Amazon and Starbucks are set to strike in key locations as the holiday season approaches. The timing coincides with the busy Christmas week, raising questions about the implications for both companies and their customers.
Amazon employees are currently engaging in a strike, raising questions about the underlying reasons for their actions.
The Teamsters union is calling on Amazon to acknowledge a union contract that demands increased wages, improved benefits, and enhanced safety measures in the workplace. In a recent announcement, the Teamsters have communicated to Amazon that employees are prepared to initiate a strike if their contract demands are not fulfilled by the deadline of December 15.
Amazon has consistently declined to acknowledge the Teamsters, stating in a communication to USA TODAY that the strike does not accurately reflect the views of its workforce.
“For over a year, the Teamsters have been accused of deliberately misleading the public by asserting that they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,’ according to Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson.” “This marks yet another effort to propagate a misleading narrative.”
Reports indicate that strikes are currently taking place at various Amazon locations.
Strikes have commenced at Amazon warehouses located in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois, as reported by a news release from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
A recent news release from the Teamsters highlights that Amazon workers who do not have collective bargaining agreements are entitled to honor picket lines and choose to withhold their labor.
Concerns are rising regarding the potential impact of Amazon strikes on holiday deliveries. As the festive season approaches, questions loom over how these labor actions may disrupt the timely arrival of packages for consumers. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
The Teamsters have strategically planned their strikes to coincide with the holiday season.
In a recent news release, Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.” “Workers have been pushed to their limits, and now the consequences are becoming evident.” “This strike is attributed to them.”
Starbucks employees are currently on strike, raising questions about the reasons behind their actions.
Employees at Starbucks have initiated a strike, citing insufficient advancements in contract negotiations with the company.
Starbucks Workers United is advocating for a base wage of $20 per hour for all baristas and a base wage of $25.40 per hour for supervisors. Additionally, they are requesting 5% annual raises and adjustments for the cost of living, as stated on the Starbucks Workers United website. In a significant move, the union is advocating for automatic enrollment in 401(k) retirement plans, alongside a proposal for 100% employer-funded healthcare that would be available to both part-time and full-time employees. Additionally, they are calling for 13 days of paid sick leave for all workers, among other key demands.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Starbucks, Phil Gee, informed USA TODAY that the bargaining session between Starbucks Workers United and the company was “prematurely” concluded earlier this week.
“It is disappointing that they did not return to the negotiating table, considering the progress we have achieved thus far,” Gee stated. “Since April, over the course of 20 days, more than nine bargaining sessions have taken place.” In a significant development, Workers United delegates have reported that over 30 meaningful agreements have been reached on a wide array of topics deemed important to them, particularly highlighting numerous economic issues.
In a recent statement, Gee highlighted that Starbucks provides an average hourly wage exceeding $18, accompanied by a range of benefits including healthcare, complimentary college tuition, paid family leave, and stock grants for employees.
“According to Gee, Workers United has put forth proposals that demand an immediate 64% increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners, with a total increase of 77% projected over the duration of a three-year contract.” “Experts are raising concerns, stating that this approach is not sustainable.”
USA TODAY reached out to Starbucks Workers United on Friday for comments regarding the ongoing strike and negotiations, but there was no immediate response.
Reports indicate that strikes at Starbucks locations are occurring in various cities across the country. Details on specific locations are still emerging as the situation develops.
On Friday, Starbucks Workers United initiated strikes at various Starbucks locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, as reported in a post on X by the labor union. In a developing story, the labor union is set to conduct strikes in additional cities each day leading up to December 24.
The impact of the Starbucks strike on business operations remains a topic of significant interest. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to assess potential disruptions and changes in consumer behavior as the strike unfolds.
Gee informed USA TODAY on Friday that there has not been a significant impact on Starbucks locations across the board.
“In a statement, Gee acknowledged the disruption occurring at a limited number of stores, emphasizing that the vast majority of our U.S. locations continue to operate and serve customers as usual.”
