Columbus, OH – Baristas and supporters picketed a Starbucks location on North High Street Saturday, demanding a fair union contract from the coffee giant as the company faces scrutiny over recent store closures and job cuts. The protest,held outside the Starbucks at 1784 N. High St. near the University District, highlighted ongoing tensions between Starbucks Workers United and the corporation.
The dispute centers on stalled contract negotiations, with baristas alleging the company is unwilling to compromise on key issues affecting working conditions and benefits. This action comes days after Starbucks announced the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores nationwide, eliminating approximately 900 jobs – a move protesters say demonstrates a disregard for employees.
“They view us as dispensable,” said Sabina Aguirre,a barista involved in the dispute,addressing the crowd through call-and-response chants. “I think the store closures were a really big testament to that.”
Starbucks announced the store closures on September 25,but no Columbus or Ohio locations were initially included in the list. Though, protesters argue the closures nationwide underscore a broader pattern of prioritizing profits over employee well-being.
Barista Siti Pulcheon displayed a Starbucks Workers United T-shirt during the protest, symbolizing the collective action of union members. Aguirre emphasized that the baristas involved are dedicated to their jobs and customers, but current working conditions are making it increasingly tough.
“We don’t want to go on strike,” Aguirre stated. “We don’t want to have to take these actions. But if it is necessary to get that contract, we are willing to do whatever we need to.”
The protest reflects a larger national movement by Starbucks Workers United to secure collective bargaining agreements with the company.Negotiations have been ongoing for months, with union representatives seeking improvements in areas such as wages, benefits, and scheduling practices.