Payam Javan: A strike at Starbucks is set to escalate on Tuesday, with over 5,000 workers from more than 300 stores nationwide expected to participate, according to Starbucks Workers United. The five-day work stoppage, which began earlier this week, will culminate on Christmas Eve. On Monday, more than 60 stores in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle were forced to close as tensions over wages, staffing, and scheduling reached a boiling point. The union, which represents employees at 525 locations, described the walkout as their largest action to date.

Union Strengthens Stance Amid Labor Disputes

Starbucks Workers United has called the strike a demonstration of the growing strength of its movement, with workers aiming to pressure the company into addressing their demands. “These strikes are an initial show of strength, and we’re just getting started,” an Oregon barista said in a statement. Despite the strike’s reach, Starbucks maintains that most of its 10,000 U.S. stores will remain operational, with a “very limited impact” on services. The Seattle-based coffee giant said it is open to further negotiations but accused union representatives of prematurely ending recent bargaining sessions.

Stalled Negotiations Deepen Divide

The dispute comes after the union rejected Starbucks’ latest proposal, which included no immediate wage hikes but guaranteed a 1.5% pay increase in the future. Workers claim the offer fails to address their concerns and accuse Starbucks of not presenting a “serious economic proposal.” With talks at an impasse, the strike highlights the growing divide between Starbucks management and its employees, underscoring the challenges in resolving labor disputes during a critical holiday season.