Following the holiday rush, Starbucks union workers are set to strike in three cities due to concerns regarding wages, benefits, and staffing issues.

A strike lasting five days is planned in Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, as announced by the union on X late Thursday, in response to the company’s failure to uphold commitments made to the workers.

Union representatives have indicated that this strike could soon impact hundreds of stores across the country.

“We’re inviting supporters to join us at three key picket lines TODAY. We’ll provide updates on more locations each day,” the union announced on its social media platforms.

Baristas are set to ramp up their strike actions leading up to Christmas Eve, according to the union’s post.

The union has stated that they are willing to reenter negotiations to address their grievances.

“Starbucks needs to support the baristas who keep the company going,” commented Silvia Baldwin, a barista from Philadelphia and a bargaining delegate. “Currently, I earn $16.50 an hour. The company just informed me that I’ll only receive a 2.5% increase next year, which amounts to $0.40 an hour and is hardly sufficient. It equates to just one Starbucks drink each week.”

Union reports 98% partner support for strike

The announcement revealed that 98% of union members voted to authorize the strike on Tuesday, expressing their determination “to do whatever it takes” to protest numerous ongoing unfair labor practice complaints.

The Starbucks Workers United union represents staff at over 500 stores throughout the country.

“Despite Starbucks claiming to value its partners, we cannot accept the lack of any immediate raise in barista wages and the unresolved issues surrounding numerous unfair labor practices,” stated Lynne Fox, President of Workers United, in a statement provided to Reuters.

YSL News has made contact with union representatives.

This article has been updated with new details.