(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 10th Dec, 2025) London, UK —
Starbucks Faces International Protests as Baristas Demand Fair Labor Practices
Workers from Starbucks, along with union members in England, Scotland, and eight other nations are staging protests on Wednesday in solidarity with their counterparts in the United States, the company's US union has disclosed to the Reporters.
Starbucks Workers United initiated a strike last month which, according to the union, has now seen the participation of 3,000 baristas across over 100 cities in the US. The workers are demanding higher wages and better staffing conditions, as well as urging the coffee giant to address a multitude of allegations regarding unfair labour practices.
Starbucks has responded by stating the strike has impacted less than 1% of its outlets, claiming it has had “no impact” on its business operations.
The international protest will see the support of hundreds of workers and union allies, Starbucks Workers United has announced.
This global wave of action, while not expected to have a direct financial impact on Starbucks, signals a strategic move by the US union to intensify pressure on the company amidst stalled negotiations.
In the UK, the trade union Unite has organized rallies in London, Norwich, and Glasgow, with workers in Glasgow also engaging in a work stoppage.
Similar protests are scheduled at Starbucks locations and offices in various countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey. In addition, Baristas are preparing for a protest at the world's largest Starbucks located in Chicago on Wednesday.
“Starbucks executives need to comprehend that wherever Starbucks operates, our picket lines will follow,” stated Diego Franco, a barista from Chicago.
Starbucks insists that it remains a leader in providing competitive pay and benefits, highlighting that its baristas are receiving more work hours on average per week.
In recent years, Starbucks has navigated through consumer boycotts, a surge in competition, backlash over price hikes, and instability within its leadership. Under the stewardship of CEO Brian Niccol, the chain is endeavouring to attract customers back by promising swifter service and a return to its traditional coffeehouse experience, inclusive of ceramic mugs and handwritten notes.
Furthermore, Starbucks has announced its intention to invest over $500 million in enhancing staffing and training.
This past October, Starbucks reported a 1% increase in sales at its global stores open for at least a year – marking its first quarterly rise in nearly two years. However, sales within the US remained stagnant.
Despite some recent progress in sales, the company continues to grapple with a protracted labour dispute that poses a risk to its recovery efforts by attracting undesirable attention.
Since its formation four years ago, the Starbucks Workers United union has successfully won elections at more than 600 stores, approximately 5% of the chain's owned US locations.
Union leaders have acknowledged an improvement in relations last year, but note that contract negotiations came to a halt following Mr Niccol's appointment as CEO last September, a time during which he presided over Chipotle amidst grievances of labour rights violations.
Even after deciding to engage a mediator in January, both parties remain divided over wages, staffing and the settlement of outstanding unfair labour practice accusations.
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