MADISON, Wis. — Unionized baristas picketed outside a Starbucks on East Main Street on Tuesday, demanding higher wages and a better contract.
Dozens of workers at four unionized Starbucks stores in Madison joined the picket line on the final day of a five-day national strike.
“We’re protesting and negotiating just like they (Starbucks) have been doing,” said Senua O’Connor, a barista and a Starbucks negotiator.
O’Connor has been the voice of Madison baristas at the negotiating table for the past nine months.
“I can tell you that the salary, benefits and offers they offered were simply insulting,” O’Connor said.
The strike was called by Workers United, a union affiliated with Starbucks, after negotiations with the company broke down last week.
“My understanding is that Starbucks has not come to the table in good faith to have a serious conversation about closing the deal,” said Keely Cieslik, a union member with Workers United.
Contracts, higher pay and better benefits are all on “workers’ wish lists,” but baristas say the company isn’t respecting their needs.
“I love being a barista. I think we should get paid more and be treated fairly, but right now they’re giving us a lot of credit for actually doing it.” It’s like they don’t respect the job enough,” said Tasha Schilling, a barista at Starbucks.
“Every worker deserves a living wage and benefits, the ability to pay for health care and live a fulfilling life,” O’Connor said.
Starbucks sent News 3 a statement saying the union has prematurely ended this week’s bargaining session.
“Workers United’s proposals call for an immediate 64% increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners and a 77% increase over the course of a three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable. Especially when the continued investments we make across the board are what differentiate us as an employer and make us proud to work at Starbucks,” Starbucks Executive Vice President said in a statement. states. Sarah Kelly.
The coffee chain had agreed to negotiate initial contracts by the end of the year for unionized employees at more than 500 stores. Starbucks says it is willing to continue negotiations once the union returns to the bargaining table.
A statement from Starbucks reads:
“Happy Holidays Partners,
I wanted to provide an update since I sent you an email on Friday regarding negotiations with Workers United.
First, I would like to express my gratitude to our Green Apron partners, store managers, district managers, and the entire company. More than 200,000 Starbucks Partners proudly wear green aprons and bring the Starbucks experience to life in their stores. We understand that the care and connection you provide is part of a meaningful vacation for all of our guests, our community, and each other. Thank you for your efforts during your busy schedule.
Here’s some information about what happened since Friday and what to expect to happen next.
Number of stores affected:
The call for action by Workers United resulted in the temporary closure of a very small number of stores (approximately 60 stores total as of today) over the weekend and into today.
What is expected to happen next:
Public conversations may be missing important context that the majority (97% to 99%) of our stores remain open and serving customers, and our overall business The impact is expected to be very limited.
Our commitment to our partners:
Starbucks offers competitive average salaries of over $18 an hour and best-in-class benefits. Our average salary and benefits add up to an average hourly wage of $30 for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week.
These benefits include health care, free college tuition, paid family leave, company stock grants, and more. No other retailer offers such a comprehensive pay and benefits package.
Workers United’s proposal calls for an immediate 64% increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners and a 77% increase over the course of the three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable. It’s not sustainable, especially when the continued investments we make across benefits are the hallmark of what sets us apart as an employer and makes us proud to work at Starbucks. .
The union chose to withdraw from negotiations last week. Once the union comes back to the bargaining table, we are ready to continue negotiating.
We will continue to provide information. In the meantime, we would like to once again thank you for your dedication to delivering the Starbucks experience. And have a wonderful holiday season!
your partner,
sarah kelly
Executive Vice President and Chief Partner Officer”
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