Baristas at Starbucks locations across the Portland Metro area have been on strike since last Friday, accusing the company of unfair labor practices. The strike is part of a larger nationwide movement by Starbucks Workers United. Workers are demanding better contract terms, with protests also taking place in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.
Starbucks Workers United has launched a five-day Unfair Labor Practices strike, accusing Starbucks of unjust actions due to stalled contract negotiations. The strike has expanded to over a dozen metro areas, including the Starbucks on Beaverton Hillsdale Highway in Portland, where workers traded in aprons for picket signs. Ian Meagher, a participating barista in Beaverton, explained the movement’s purpose, stating, "We’ve mobilized a bunch of union stores to go on strike in the Portland area in protest... to hit Starbucks where they care: The wallet," as stated in a report by KPTV and OregonLive.
Customers have shown frustration and understanding over the strikes, with Harper Clements saying, "I missed getting my Starbucks today." Baristas like Aspen Maxwell hope the strikes will draw attention to the wealth gap, stating, "These companies have so much money; they're billionaires; there's so much money in their pocket, there's no reason they can't be giving us more." While Starbucks says the strike has only affected a few stores, the growing number of workers involved suggests a bigger disruption. Starbucks Workers United is determined to push for better wages and working conditions, according to KATU News.
