Starbucks is facing a three-day strike in the US as workers wage a bitter battle with the coffee giant to join unions.
The strike will affect 100 stores where workers have joined organizations over the past year despite strong opposition from the company.
Starbucks, which owns around 9,000 US stores, did not immediately comment.
Activists said they were protesting the company’s harsh response, including firing workers and closing stores.
“They are doubling down on their anti-union actions, so we’re doubling down,” said barista Michelle Eisen, one of the leaders of Starbucks Workers United.
Workers at about 270 Starbucks stores across the country voted to join unions last year, making an unprecedented move into the company, which has long prided itself on its reputation as a progressive, labor-friendly employer.
The move allows them to collectively negotiate wages and other benefits, but workers have accused the company of hesitating at the bargaining table and violating labor laws as it tries to quash the movement.
Last month, workers demonstrated at more than 100 Starbucks stores.
“We demand fair staffing, an end to store closures and that Starbucks deal with us in good faith,” Ms Eisen said of the recent action, adding that union workers hoped customers would support their efforts by not buying gift cards from fixed this year.
Over the past year, Starbucks has increased salaries and announced other changes to quell employee discontent while denying claims of retaliation.
It has not extended these benefits to the unionized stores.
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