Interbay Starbucks location closes as what could be the ‘largest, longest’ Starbucks strike reaches Day 4

A Starbucks located on Elliott Avenue in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood has been shuttered as most of the unionized store’s employees rally during a nationwide strike.

The strike began last Thursday on Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day” — one of the coffee chain’s busiest days of the year. Starbucks Workers United, the union representing Starbucks employees, stated that employees in 45 cities, including Seattle, have gone on strike. In total, more than 1,000 unionized workers at 65 stores hit the picket lines.

“We’re prepared to be out here for weeks or more,” Brenna Nendel, a supervisor at the Elliot Avenue location, told KOMO News. “It’s indefinite. It’s up to the company [Starbucks].”

The union believes this strike could become “the largest, longest strike in company history if Starbucks continues to ignore their demands.” Starbucks leadership and representatives with Starbucks Workers United haven’t been at the bargaining table together since April.

Starbucks Workers United is fighting for higher wages, more consistent scheduling, and more dependable staffing. Starbucks’ latest offer was a 1.5% raise.

“If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, they’ll see their business grind to a halt,” Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and 15-year veteran barista, said. “No contract, no coffee is more than a tagline — it’s a pledge to interrupt Starbucks operations and profits until a fair union contract and an end to unfair labor practices are won. Starbucks knows where we stand. We’ve been clear and consistent on what baristas need to succeed: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Bring us new proposals that address these issues so we can finalize a contract. Until then, you’ll see us and our allies on the picket line.”

According to Starbucks, the company experienced minimal disruption overall and had an “incredibly successful” Red Cup Day.

“We’re disappointed that Workers United, who represents less than 4% of our partners, called for a strike instead of returning to the bargaining table. Less than 1% of our coffeehouses have experienced any level of disruption, and the vast majority of our 240,000 partners are coming to work ready to serve customers,” a spokesperson for Starbucks told MyNorthwest.  “We’ve been very clear — when the union is ready to come back, we’re ready to talk. The facts show people like working at Starbucks. Partner engagement is up, turnover is nearly half the industry average, and we get more than 1 million job applications a year. Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners.”

In Seattle, three different rallies took place last Thursday. One was located in front of the former roastery at 1124 Pike Street, taking place between 4 and 5 p.m. Two other rallies occurred from 9-11 a.m. in front of Starbucks locations at 4147 University Way N.E. and 1144 Elliott Avenue W., the location most recently shuttered.

Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson joined the picket shortly after Bruce Harrell conceded the mayoral race Thursday.

Ninety-two percent of unionized Starbucks baristas voted in favor of striking.

The union claims contract negotiations stalled after CEO Brian Niccol took over last year. According to Starbucks leadership, Starbucks Workers United was the first to walk away from the negotiating table, but the company is ready “to talk” once the union returns to negotiate.

The union proposed pay increases of 65% immediately and 77% over three years, according to KOMO News.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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