Starbucks baristas launch open ended Red Cup strike

Starbucks Workers United launched an open ended strike in at least 40 cities on Red Cup Day, with the union saying more than 1,000 baristas at over 65 stores walked out. The union seeks better hours, higher pay and resolution of unfair labor practice charges, warning of an escalation. Starbucks says it is ready to serve customers across nearly 18,000 locations and to resume talks, noting average hourly pay and benefits top $30 and that the union represents 4% of partners. Negotiations stalled after mediation and a proposal was voted down.