RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Unionized Starbucks baristas in Richmond are hitting the picket line Thursday, joining workers across the country who say they’ve reached a breaking point amid stalled contract negotiations and ongoing labor disputes.
The planned rally on Thursday, Nov. 13 coincides with “Red Cup Day,” one of the coffee chain’s busiest annual promotions. It’s part of a nationwide coordinated effort, with baristas from 65 stores in more than 40 U.S. cities staging demonstrations.
Workers at Starbucks said they’ve been waiting six months for the company to offer new contract proposals addressing what they describe as chronic understaffing, low pay and unfair labor practices…