Columbus Starbucks employees join nationwide strike

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Starbucks employees join a nationwide strike heading into the holidays.

Thousands of Starbucks employees have gone on strike and a group of Columbus workers joined the protests today, saying they're concerned and disappointed with the company.

Union organizer Jason Perlman explained that striking is not the first thing workers want to do but they hope by doing so, their demands will be addressed.

“We've seen the corporate greed that's happened across America,” Perlman said. “Sometimes the only way to get the attention, to get what you deserve is to actually take a stand for yourself, stand up and go on strike.”

Since last week, over five thousand employees from more than three hundred Starbucks stores nationwide have been on strike. Today was the fourth-day Columbus-based workers took part in the strike.

Barista Ruby Walters noted it's due to unfair labor practices. Walter also says the company is not meeting certain demands in the contract negotiations like an increase in minimum wage.

“I would say to keep in mind the ways that the people who make your coffee are often overworked and underpaid,” Walters said. “A lot of us have to make some sacrifices this holiday season just to be out here and demonstrate our power.”

Workers explained they have been put in situations like being tasked with running drive-thru, in-store, and mobile orders with only two employees present. Those on the picket line feel confident about staying on strike. 

“We saw what happened during the pandemic when so many workers stood up on strike, got record raises,” Perlman said. “We saw what happened with the UAW, there's no reason that can't happen with Starbucks workers. One of the things I think as Americans, we have to stop doing its job, and shaming each other and every worker who helps create $1,000,000,000 profit for a company ought to get their fair share. Whether you're a barista at a Starbucks or whether you're putting cars together for Ford.” 

A statement posted by the company on Monday says in part “The union chose to walk away from bargaining last week. We are ready to continue negotiations when the union comes back to the bargaining table.”

Union organizers say they are still trying to move forward and reach an agreement with the company.