The union representing over 10,000 Starbucks baristas announced that its members are launching a strike Friday morning in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. Workers United, which represents employees at 525 Starbucks locations across the United States, warned that the protests could escalate and impact hundreds of stores nationwide through Christmas Eve unless a collective bargaining agreement is reached.

Negotiations between Starbucks and Workers United began in April under a framework established in February to guide the organization and bargaining process. However, the union claims that despite public promises from the company to finalize contracts by the end of the year, no serious economic proposal has been presented.

You might also be interested in its Spanish version: Inicia huelga de trabajadores de Starbucks en Los Ángeles, Chicago y Seattle

The union is demanding higher wages, increased staffing, and better scheduling. Starbucks has faced a challenging year, with sales declining for three consecutive quarters, partly due to high prices and long wait times. These issues have led hundreds of stores to unionize in protest of wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Amid the turmoil, the company appointed former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol as its new president and CEO in September. Niccol has vowed to return Starbucks to its roots as a “community café” and enhance the customer experience.