Kathmandu— Starbucks Workers United announced a nationwide boycott of Starbucks on August 25, seeking to pressure the company into signing a contract with its 12,000 unionized baristas. The union is asking individuals, as well as organizations and unions, to refrain from patronizing Starbucks – including avoiding catering and sponsorships – until an agreement is reached. The AFL-CIO has already pledged support, with the Chicago Teachers Union voting to join the boycott on August 26, following a history of labor disputes and strikes over working conditions and staffing levels.

Escalating Labor Disputes

Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a first contract for nearly five years, beginning with union election wins in Buffalo, New York, in late 2021. Since then, over 700 stores have voted to unionize under the Service Employees International Union’s Workers United division, though this still represents less than 5 percent of the company’s 16,000 US outlets. The company has responded with a high number of unfair labor practice charges – currently at 550 unresolved – in an attempt to slow the union's growth. Despite these efforts, the union continues to gain traction, adding several stores each month.

Staffing and Working Conditions

A central demand of the union is guaranteed minimum staffing levels, specifically three people on the floor at all times. Workers also want available hours prioritized for current baristas instead of continuous hiring. Baristas report worsening working conditions and insufficient staffing, leading to increased workloads and customer frustration. Baylor Baucom, a striking barista in Nashville, explained that his store sometimes operates with only two workers, which is unacceptable given the variety of tasks required. Many longer-term employees say staffing has declined over the past five years, coinciding with rising prices.

Health and Safety Concerns

Recent concerns have also centered on health and safety issues within Starbucks stores. A new blending powder introduced in mid-July caused respiratory problems for many baristas, prompting a social media outcry and ultimately leading to its withdrawal by the company. Occupational health professor Peter Orris found that ingredients in the powder were associated with respiratory issues when inhaled, recommending protective measures. Additionally, workers have raised concerns about customer assaults, citing instances where injured employees felt compelled to return to work immediately for fear of losing hours.

Pay and Benefits

While pay has improved since the union began organizing, starting wages remain below $16 in forty-three states. The union is seeking a $17 per hour starting wage with 4 percent annual raises. Many baristas report being chronically underscheduled, receiving insufficient hours to qualify for benefits. Campbell Marusa, a five-year barista in Greeley, Colorado, shared that a coworker was told by management about resources to help her budget despite earning less than $800 a month due to limited scheduling.

Demands Beyond Wages

Beyond wages and staffing, the union is also pushing back against seemingly minor but impactful policies. Baristas face discipline for failing to write cheerful messages on cups, even when overwhelmed with work. One barista wrote on Reddit about being fired for not following this practice, while another described a manager insisting there were “no excuses” for neglecting cup markings. These demands highlight the union’s focus on improving overall working conditions and respecting baristas' time and well-being.

Starbucks Workers United is encouraging unions and organizations to pass resolutions supporting the boycott and urging community members to avoid Starbucks until a contract agreement is reached, hoping to increase pressure on the company to negotiate in good faith.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.