Unionized Starbucks workers vote for a potential strike

Workers’ union representing Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) said that 98% of its union partners have voted to authorize a potential strike, signaling escalating tensions ahead of the last scheduled bargaining session of the year.

The vote was finalized before the union’s negotiating representatives got ready to meet with Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) again on Tuesday for a final bargaining session.

The union claims that Starbucks (SBUX) has not presented a comprehensive economic package, leaving many demands unaddressed, including higher pay, better staffing, and schedule improvements. Additionally, they highlight that hundreds of unfair labor practices remain unresolved.

“Starbucks can’t get back on track as a company until it finalizes a fair contract that invests in its workforce.” Silvia Baldwin, a Philadelphia barista and bargaining delegate, commented.

“We know that baristas are critical to the operation of the company, which is why we’re bringing pragmatic solutions to the bargaining table. As a growing union representing over 525 stores that have organized tirelessly for years, we also know that we have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to land the strongest contracts possible.” the delegate added.

The union said that it has not yet decided on when the strike would begin.

With several sessions held throughout the year, and despite reaching numerous agreements on various topics, the union argues that fundamental issues still need resolution.

“Since April, we’ve scheduled and attended more than eight multi-day bargaining sessions where we’ve reached 30 meaningful agreements on dozens of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues,” the company said in a statement to FoxBusiness.

Starbucks (SBUX) did not immediately reply to Seeking Alpha’s request for comment.

Recently, Starbucks (SBUX) tripled the amount of paid leave to parents as new CEO Brian Niccol works on improving morale and employee retention at the coffee chain. The company raised paid leaves from 6 weeks to 18 weeks.

The coffee giant’s share price is trading at similar levels as last December, representing a year-to-date loss of 1.7%.