Starbucks Union Proposes New Contract Terms, Looks to Reopen Negotiations — Update

By Elias Schisgall

The union representing Starbucks workers said it proposed new contract terms and is in talks with the coffee chain about returning to the bargaining table following a strike in November.

Starbucks Workers United said Friday that it is requesting a contract with a minimum starting wage of $17 an hour, plus 4% annual raises.

"We are in conversation with the company about the road back to the bargaining table," barista Jasmine Leli, one of the union's bargaining delegates, said in a Friday statement. "That conversation remains ongoing."

Starbucks has proposed returning to in-person bargaining on March 30 and continuing negotiations through April, spokesperson Jaci Anderson said in a statement. "At Starbucks, we are committed to all our partners, and where they have chosen union representation, we have been engaging in good faith bargaining," she said.

The union rejected Starbucks' contract offer last April over the lack of wage increases and benefits during the first year of the contract. Union members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike in November, and baristas represented by the union walked off the job on Nov. 13, the same day that Starbucks ran its annual Red Cup Day promotions.

The union currently represents about 4% of Starbucks employees across about 650 stores, Anderson said, adding that the strikes involved less than 1% of the company's locations. The chain has about 17,000 domestic cafes in total.

In addition to wage increases, the union is asking for a minimum of three workers in stores at all times, a process for filing grievances, non-discrimination language, and a just-cause provision, it said Friday.

The union also is requesting resolution of outstanding unfair labor practice charges, including backpay which it said Starbucks owed to baristas who had been unjustly fired or whose raises or credit-card tips were withheld.

"It's time to get a fair contract done so we can all move forward," Leli said. "We believe that's not only possible, but within reach as long as executives are committed to good-faith bargaining and supporting the baristas who are key to Starbucks' success."

Write to Elias Schisgall at elias.schisgall@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 13, 2026 11:55 ET (15:55 GMT)