California Starbucks employees go on strike
CYPRESS PARK, Calif. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - A California Starbucks closed for the day as they strike over contract negotiations and taking a stand against the chain’s restrictions of Pride decorations.
Throughout the day people have been coming to the Starbucks in Cypress Park, only to turn back around. Workers are sending a message: They want to be able to put up Pride decorations.
Something they say they can’t do.
On a breezy, sunny Sunday afternoon, a cold drink from starbucks is what this family stopped by for, or so they thought.
"It's closed, surprisingly," said Emily Avina, a customer.
Nationwide protests
The Cypress Park Starbucks is one of about 70 nationwide that closed Sunday in protest.
"Starbucks has historically been a very inclusive setting they always let us put pride merch up," said Kat Ramos, a Starbucks employee.
However, Ramos added, "This month, they were just like taking down pride stuff from stores everywhere and you know it makes us feel like they really don’t care about us as people."
Striking workers say it’s happening nationwide. But that’s not the only reason why they’re out here and not inside working.
A Figueroa location and the company’s flagship store in Seattle are two of about 150 locations that unionized last year.
Statement from Starbucks
Workers want to secure a contract with higher wages and better working conditions.
"We voted to form a union. We are in debt, and we are over a year in and have failed to sit down at the bargaining table. or even had our union acknowledged by Starbucks," said a Starbucks employee in Seattle.
In a statement, a Starbucks spokesperson said, "Workers United continues to spread false information about our benefits, policies and negotiation efforts. We apologize to our customers who may experience an inconvenience at theses locations."
Workers say management is turning a blind eye to something staring them in the face.
“Our lines are around the corner. Our wait times can be really long. We don’t have the staff. We don’t have the product. This affects you too,” Ramos remarked.
The strike over Pride decorations was only for one day. So, the Cypress Park location and others that were closed will reopen Monday.
