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Starbucks Employees Begin Three-Day ‘Double-Down’ Strike Across 100 Stores — 4 In LA area
The Starbucks logo is displayed on the exterior of a Starbucks store in a file photo.
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Justin Sullivan
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Employees at four Los Angeles County Starbucks locations walked out today, demanding better staffing, pay and health insurance. They're part of a three-day strike happening across 100 U.S. stores.
Where in L.A.? Stores participating in the strike include Little Tokyo, Cypress Park, Long Beach and Lakewood locations.
Why this is happening: In October, Starbucks Workers United had its first and only bargaining session. The labor group has filed at least 446 unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks.
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What employees are saying: Long Beach barista Josie Serrano strongly supports the strike, saying that Starbucks has been enacting policies to undermine the union’s efforts. Serrano says:
“Starbucks is doubling down on their union busting nationwide, they're closing union stores, they're firing union partners, and we're here to say that [if] they're going to double down on that, then we're going to double down on our strike.”
Reaction from Starbucks: Starbucks told the Associated Press it "opposes the unionization effort, saying the company functions better when it works directly with employees."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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