A strike by baristas at Starbucks locations across the country expanded to stores in 45 states Tuesday, with an Alpharetta location closing for the day because virtually all its nonmanagerial employees were picketing outside.
The Haynes Bridge Road Starbucks was one of about 300 stores with pickets by about 5,000 workers, union officials said. Tuesday was the final day of a five-day strike by Starbucks workers across the country.
“I do love working here,” said Cory Stepping, 31, one of several dozen employees from various stores with signs and placards outside the store. “We’re on a first-name basis with the people who come in. But gas prices are up, food prices are up and our pay should go up.”
Starting pay for area baristas varies. Workers said that the Alpharetta store starts baristas typically at $15.25 an hour.