Starbucks Strike Expands To Boston, Dallas And Portland As Dispute Escalates

ISTANBUL, Dec 23 (Bernama-AA) -- Starbucks workers in the US have expanded their strike to Boston, Dallas, and Portland amid an escalating labour dispute, just days before Christmas, Anadolu Agency quoted the company’s union as announcing on Sunday.

The strike, now in its third day of a planned five-day escalation, has already shut down nearly 50 stores nationwide, with more joining in solidarity, according to a statement from Starbucks Workers United.

The strike is in response to stalled negotiations that have been going on since February.

The union has accused Starbucks of engaging in "bad faith bargaining" and failing to offer a serious economic proposal.

The workers’ demands focus on better pay, benefits, and job security, particularly as the company rakes in profits while cutting employee hours.

The strike began Friday in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, has since spread to other cities including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh.

Starbucks has defended its actions, claiming that union representatives "prematurely ended" bargaining sessions.

However, the union insists that the company has not provided a "serious economic proposal."

As the holiday season approaches, both sides remain at odds, and the union has vowed to continue its efforts until their demands are met.

-- BERNAMA-AA