Starbucks baristas in Rittenhouse Square join union strike

PHILADELPHIA - Starbucks lovers who frequent their favorite spot in Rittenhouse Square, may have a challenging time getting their go-to order.

The Starbucks baristas on the 1500 block of Walnut Street have joined other striking workers across the country and walked off the job.

Dozens of Starbucks union members in multiple states, including New Jersey, New York, and now Philadelphia, are striking over unfair labor practices. 

Discussions over contracts began in April, but reached an impasse on Thursday. 

Workers say they're preparing to remain on strike past the Christmas season, traditionally one of its busiest times. 

"We were ready to bring the foundational framework home this year, but Starbucks wasn’t," said Lynne Fox, President of Workers United. "After all Starbucks has said about how they value partners throughout the system, we refuse to accept zero immediate investment in baristas’ wages and no resolution of the hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practices. Union baristas know their value, and they’re not going to accept a proposal that doesn’t treat them as true partners."

They are demanding better pay and benefits, improved working conditions, and enhanced protective measures at work.

As for Starbucks, a spokesperson says, "we are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table." 

They also said the walkouts have had "no significant impact" on store operations and that the pay raise workers are seeking is "unsustainable."