Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to more cities and closed 59 stores in the US through Monday, according to the union, which represents more than 10,000 baristas.

The strike began Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, but has since spread to stores across the country, including Boston, Dallas, Portland, New York, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and St.

“We respect our members’ right to engage in legal strike activity and thank the thousands of members across the country who continue to support each other and deliver the Starbucks experience to our customers,” the company said in a statement.

The workers are protesting the lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.

STARBUCKS RESPONDS TO UNION DEMANDS LIKE WORKERS STRIKE

Baristas picket outside a Starbucks in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)

Starbucks Workers United said the company has not fulfilled a commitment made 10 months ago to reach a labor agreement this year. Talks between Starbucks and the union have stalled with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and hours.

“Workers United’s proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum hourly wage for members by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. This is not sustainable,” the company said.

Starbucks said the strike disruptions do not have a significant impact on operations because only a handful of stores nationwide are affected.

STARBUCKS UNION WORKERS VOTE TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE

Baristas picket outside a Starbucks in Los Angeles, California on December 23, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)

The union warned on Friday that the strike could reach “hundreds of stores” by Christmas Eve. Starbucks operates more than 11,000 stores and employs about 200,000 workers in the United States.

The company and union have been negotiating since April. Starbucks said it has committed to an annual wage increase of 1.5 percent or more for union workers, even if it gave non-union workers a smaller increase in a given year.

Starbucks baristas earn an average of $18 an hour in the US, but with benefits including health care, free college tuition and paid family leave, the payment package it’s worth an average of $30 an hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours a week, the company said.

Baristas picket outside a Starbucks in Los Angeles, California on December 23, 2024. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)

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But the workers aren’t satisfied, pointing out that Starbucks’ new president and CEO, Brian Niccol, who started in September, could earn more than $100 million in his first year.

The union also wants the company to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

Reuters contributed to this report.