Employees at the coffee chain “Starbucks“ have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing more than 10,000 baristas said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed the chain's cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has now spread to New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, the “United Workers“ said in a statement.
“Starbucks“ has not yet commented.
Negotiations between the coffee chain and the union have reached an impasse over unresolved issues over wages, staffing and work schedules, leading to the strike.
The union is striking in 10 cities, including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season, which could hit the company's sales.
„United Workers“ warned on Friday that the strike could spread to hundreds of locations by Christmas Eve.
„Starbucks“ began talks with the union in April. The company said this month that it had held more than eight negotiation meetings, during which 30 agreements were reached. The company has more than 11,000 locations in the United States, employing about 200,000 people. workers.