**Starbucks Workers Rally in NYC Amid Third Week of Strikes**
Hundreds of Starbucks workers and supporters held a rally in New York City as labor strikes entered their third week. The event took place outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Manhattan, located near the Empire State Building. This location also serves as the company’s regional headquarters.
The protest was organized by Starbucks Workers United, a union that represents thousands of baristas across the United States. Workers are demanding better working conditions, increased pay, and more consistent scheduling. They say the company has ignored their requests for union contracts and fair treatment.
Thursday’s rally drew union members from multiple cities, along with local labor supporters. Protesters carried signs, chanted slogans, and called on Starbucks to negotiate in good faith. The rally was peaceful but loud, drawing attention from both passersby and the media.
This strike is part of a growing labor movement at Starbucks that started in 2021. Since then, more than 350 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize. However, very few locations have succeeded in signing a full contract with the company. Workers accuse management of delaying talks and using unfair tactics.
Starbucks has denied doing anything wrong. The company says it supports workers’ rights to unionize but prefers to work directly with employees rather than third-party unions. Company leaders claim they have offered strong pay and benefits and are trying to modernize their stores and systems.
Starbucks has faced multiple complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over the past year. Some involve alleged retaliation against union activists and failure to properly negotiate. The NLRB has ruled in favor of workers in several cases, but legal disputes continue.
Union leaders say this recent wave of strikes is meant to show strength and unity. They promise to continue their actions until meaningful progress is made. The holiday season is typically very busy for Starbucks, and these strikes could disrupt some store operations.
Customers may experience delays or store closures in areas affected by the strikes. Starbucks has not yet released an official statement on Thursday’s rally.
#StarbucksStrike #UnionStrong #WorkersUnite #LaborRights #NYCProtests
