Starbucks baristas in major U.S. cities have embarked on a five-day strike, demanding better wages and working conditions as contract negotiations with the company have reached an impasse. The strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United, began on Friday and is set to affect stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with potential to expand to hundreds of locations nationwide by Christmas Eve.

The union, representing over 10,000 baristas at 525 stores, has accused Starbucks of failing to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement by the end of the year. The union is also pressing for resolutions to numerous unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

Starbucks has proposed an economic package that includes no immediate wage increases for unionized baristas and a 1.5% increase in future years, which the union has rejected. The union is demanding a 64% immediate increase in the minimum wage for hourly workers, arguing that the current wages are inadequate given inflation and the high cost of living in major cities.

The strike comes during one of Starbucks' busiest times of the year, potentially impacting sales and drawing public scrutiny to the company's labor practices. Despite the strike, Starbucks has stated that the majority of its U.S. stores remain open and operational, with only a small number of locations affected.

The labor action is part of a broader wave of strikes across various industries in the U.S., as workers push for better pay and conditions. The union has indicated that the strike will continue unless Starbucks presents a viable economic proposal and resumes negotiations in good faith.

Starbucks, under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, has expressed willingness to return to the bargaining table, emphasizing its commitment to providing competitive pay and benefits, including health care, paid family leave, and free college tuition for employees working at least 20 hours per week.

As the strike unfolds, both sides remain at a stalemate, with the union determined to secure a contract that reflects the value of its members' contributions to the company.