Starbucks employees in Arkansas staged a strike on Christmas Eve, joining a nationwide movement advocating for increased wages

Bryant, Arkansas – On Christmas Eve, multiple Starbucks locations in Arkansas participated in a nationwide strike organized by the Workers United Union, joining employees from coast to coast.

Union representatives at the Bryant Starbucks location have announced a protest aimed at securing higher wages for employees.

“The company presented a proposal for a 1.5% raise, which we deemed unacceptable,” stated Union Bargaining Delegate and Barista Riley Kulpa. “This would result in an approximate increase of 13 cents for the majority of our baristas.” We are here to demonstrate our resolve and make it clear that we will not accept that.

Kulpa stated that Starbucks has accommodated some of their requests, such as implementing more relaxed dress codes and allowing a five-minute grace period for tardiness. However, Kulpa emphasized that when it comes to financial matters, there is no flexibility on their part.

He stated that the low pay and inconsistent weekly hours make it difficult to make ends meet.

“In today’s economy, it simply isn’t feasible,” stated Kulpa. “There is a pressing need for increased income and improved working hours to truly achieve the American dream that is often promised to us in our education.”

A spokesperson for Starbucks reported that 170 stores were unable to open as scheduled on Christmas Eve due to the strikes.

Discussions with the United Workers Union have been ongoing since April.

Starbucks issued the following statement:

Workers United delegates prematurely ended our bargaining session this week. It is disappointing they didn’t return to the table given the progress we’ve made to date. Since April we’ve held more than nine bargaining sessions over 20 days. We’ve reached over thirty (30) meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues.
We are focused on enhancing the partner (employee) experience, with over $3 billion invested in the last three years. Starbucks offers a competitive average pay of over $18 per hour and best-in-class benefits. Taken together they are worth an average of $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week. Benefits include health care, free college tuition, paid family leave, and company stock grants. No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package.
Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year year contract. This is not sustainable. We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table.

Bryant union leader and Barista Ody Pacheco expressed a desire to voice their concerns, aiming to foster change.

“It is disheartening to hear corporations claim that we do not deserve a livable wage, especially when I dedicate myself to serving all of these customers,” stated Pacheco. “I prioritize the needs of these customers.”

Kulpa stated that the efforts to unionize in Arkansas have been instrumental in advancing that change.

“Increased support and the presence of union stores significantly impact the company and drive meaningful change,” stated Kulpa.

Starbucks reports that approximately 98% of its stores remain open and operational.

Bryant has become the latest Starbucks location in Little Rock to unionize, joining several others that made the move on Christmas Eve.