Starbucks employees will strike on Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, escalating labour tensions during the pre-Christmas rush. The strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United, targets improved pay and conditions following stalled negotiations. The action coincides with an Amazon walkout, amplifying holiday season disruptions.

Starbucks workers to strike in three US cities, threaten nationwide action

Workers at Starbucks will walk off the job Friday in three US cities in a strike their union threatened could spread around the country in the busy run-up to Christmas.

The announcement, which will initially affect stores in Los Angeles, Chicago and the firm’s home city of Seattle, comes as online giant Amazon was also hit by a walkout in the crucial final shopping days of the festive period.

Starbucks Workers United, which says it represents baristas at hundreds of outlets around the country, said its action was aimed at forcing the company to improve pay and conditions after months of negotiations that it said have gone nowhere.

Starbucks workers to strike in three US cities, threaten nationwide action