Starbucks Workers Strike in Pittsburgh, Demanding Better Pay and Conditions

In Pittsburgh, a unique kind of holiday cheer filled the air. Instead of carols, there were picket signs. Instead of holiday shoppers, there were striking Starbucks workers. About 200 workers from 10 coffee shops across the city walked off the job, demanding a union contract. They sang a twist on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" – "we won't go until we get one. " The workers, like Allee Peters, a shift supervisor from Shadyside, want higher wages, guaranteed hours, and better healthcare. Peters explains that understaffing has been a big issue. "We've had times where we were so short-staffed, it was ridiculous, " she says.

The strike comes as part of a national effort by unionized Starbucks workers. They're frustrated with the company's handling of labor practices and contract negotiations. In Pittsburgh, the average Starbucks barista makes around $14. 17 an hour, less than the national average. Workers also want better safety measures. Harper Blackstock, a shift supervisor from Downtown, says drug users have overdosed in the shop's restroom. "We need more rules and policies to deal with safety concerns, " she says. The strike was supported by competitors like Dunkin' and local coffee shops. The workers say they need their caffeine fix even during a protest. The strike is expected to end on Thursday, with Starbucks locations resuming usual business.

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