The Associated Press’ Post

I have to make this observation Dee-Ann, that in the end we already know that Starbucks, will have to make concessions to the union, and that as a result, the higher costs of labor will drive changes within the company, that many are not going to like. Customers are going to see an increase in the cost of their favorite beverage from the retailer, which will also reasonably lower the volume of sales and in so doing will drive down margins for the company as well. To counteract this negative effect they will likely automate more of the staff functions within cafes, and may go even further than that. These are what I see as likely happening, I wonder if you see it similarly or not?

Seriously? Honestly, if they closed completely I would never miss them. The few times I've patronized the stores, I found the drinks to be mediocre at best, and the food options, well, let's just say I can find something very similar at any number of small and large establishments for much less money. As for the employees, if you don't like the wages, or anything else about your current employment, please go find another job! You are not indentured servants, and Starbucks at it's base, is still not much more than fast food coffee, tea, pastries and such. It doesn't require a college degree, or specialized training other than that which the company provides in order to make what they sell. You're not a Michelin Chef or high end mixologist. You're simply pumping out over priced drinks and some limited food options. Get over it and move on.

98% of workers supporting this strike is a strong message to me. They wouldn't lose earnings if they believed there were other alternatives. I will support my local mom-and-pop coffee shops and return to Starbucks when they treat their workers with respect. The disparity in the profits of companies like Starbucks and their workers is truly disheartening.

Starbucks is already grossly overpriced for their products. Adding more wage cost will just price them out of business sooner or later. I remember when Ronald Reagan fired all of the ATC workers and hired new ones, including my son, who worked for far less money than the person he replaced and was told he did a far better job. Be careful what you wish for workers. Just ask all of the unemployed and out of work union members of the film industry in Hollywood. They got their concessions all right and now many drive for Uber and deliver food instead of lines in front of a camera.

I can understand why the workers are asking for wage increases given that Starbucks's net revenue for 2024 was $36.18 billion, up from $35.98 billion in 2023 and more than doubling its units over the past 10 years. I rarely go to Starbucks though to pay for overpriced drinks and likely any labor agreement involving wage increases carries over costs that will likely be passed over to the consumer resulting in price increases. Starbucks also reported lower sales in the 4th quarter of 2024 so see if that carries over into the new year. We have seen numerous companies over the years that over-expanded end up having to close numerous stores due to price increases and lower demand. Does that happen to Starbucks at some point?  

Labor disputes like this strike a tough balance for companies like Starbucks. Higher wages could mean higher costs for the company, which might lead to higher prices for customers—something that can affect demand. At the same time, keeping employees happy is critical for maintaining great service and long-term customer loyalty. Strikes also bring risks, like disruptions in customer experience or even damage to the brand’s value. Hopefully, Starbucks and the union can find a solution that shares the risk fairly and keeps things moving forward.

The workers' concerns highlight the importance of fair negotiations and equitable pay in today's labor market. It's crucial for companies to address these issues proactively to maintain a motivated and satisfied workforce. I hope Starbucks and its workers can reach a resolution soon.

Oh, my! The chickens have come home to roost!

Don’t like the wage, go to snother coffee shop and work there.