OKC Starbucks workers join Christmas Eve nationwide strike

-- Unfair labor practices cited as the reason for the labor action

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Starbucks workers joined Starbucks Workers United’s nationwide strike on Christmas Eve over unfair labor practices (ULPs) by the corporation.

They were part of a nationwide Christmas Eve strike that ended up including workers from 300+ stores.

Another reason for the strike is an effort to get a fair contract from the corporation as negotiations over a contract continue. The union and the corporation have been in tense negotiations with each other.

Three stores participated in the strike:

  • 23rd and Robinson in OKC.
  • 36th and May in OKC.
  • 36th and Robinson in Norman.

All three stores were shut down for the day because of the strikes.

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One Oklahoma City Council member (James Cooper, far left) joins with other SB Workers United members and supporters to pose in front of the 23rd and Robinson store in OKC on Christmas Eve, 2024. (A.GATLEY/Okla City Free Press)

This strike is the result of a strike authorization last week. Before the strike authorization, there was a sip-in event held last month with workers, community members, and an Oklahoma City Councilwoman.

Each store held its rally earlier in the morning. After those pickets, the workers and community supporters from each store all converged at the 23rd and Robinson store for a bigger display to the public along the busy stretch of road in midtown OKC.

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From left to right: Michael Forsythe, Apple Store workers union member, turned out with Zach Heath and Jesney Bechard to show support for striking Starbucks workers on Christmas Eve. (A.GATLEY/Okla City Free Press)

Free Press was on the scene and spoke with some people picketing.

“The company has yet to resolve hundreds of labor law violations,” said Collin Pollitt, barista at 23rd and Robinson and union organizer. “Additionally, Starbucks has yet to give us a viable economic offer in contract bargaining, recently offering a mere thirty cents raise, including for workers who have been with the company for 10+ years, making barely a dollar more than starting baristas, which is ridiculous while CEO Brian Niccol makes the equivalent of $50,000 an hour.”

Pollitt confirmed that three stores have been shut down in the OKC metro and “300 across the country” because of the “unfair labor practice strike”.

“No workers, no Starbucks,” Pollitt said. “This is just the beginning.”

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Neha Cremin (L), a union member who works at the 36th and May store poses with Jacob Bone, a union member from the 23rd and May store. (A.GATLEY/Okla City Free Press)

The 36th and May store has had an active, pro-union crew in the past several years.

“Our manager and district manager showed up at 4:30, and in like 10 minutes, they were like ‘we’re closing’ and the store shut down,” said Neha Cremin from the OKC 36th and May store. “So yeah, it was a success. We had a bunch of supporters come out, we had a lot of fun, we had lots of music, chanting, holding signs. It went really well.”

Even the Norman crew made their way out to the picket at 23rd and Robinson.

One shift supervisor from the Norman store at 36th and Robinson, Kay Black, confirmed that management had also shut down the Norman store and elaborated on what exactly they’re striking for.

“We are striking for better wages and more staffing as well as more hours,” Black said.

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Baron O’Connor (L) and Laura Bray joined the picket line at the Starbucks at 23rd and Robinson in OKC on Christmas Eve, 2024. (A.GATLEY/Okla City Free Press)

“I got there around 6:45 [AM], and they already had a sign up on the door saying they were closed,” said Black. “But we still stood out and had signs and music, and were chanting and telling customers why we are striking.”

Not only were workers out there protesting and letting their voices be heard, but also members of the community as well. One community supporter named Kristian spoke to Free Press.

“I came out to show support for not just unions,” said Kristian. “But all workers are just generally exploited for our labor by the ruling class, and its long past time we rediscover the power in our communities and in each other, and we support each other because the state and the bosses have shown they are not working for us.”

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L-R, Kendal Martin, Morgan Curtis, and Austin Curtis join the picket line at the Starbucks on 23rd and Robinson in OKC. (A.GATLEY/Okla City Free Press)

Author Profile

Alex Gatley covers labor activities in the state of Oklahoma.