Starbucks Workers Launch Strike in 40 Cities, With Plans to Grow (2)

Unionized Starbucks baristas are launching a wave of walkouts Thursday, a work stoppage they say could grow to become their biggest strike to date.

Workers United, which represents staff at about 550 of Starbucks Corp.’s roughly 10,000 company-owned US cafes, plans to strike on Thursday in at least 40 cities, including New York, San Diego, Dallas, Philadelphia and the company’s hometown of Seattle. The protests are open-ended and could expand if there isn’t progress towards finalizing a union contract and resolving legal disputes, according to the union.

The strike, involving more than 1,000 baristas at 65 cafes, is pegged to Starbucks’ annual “Red Cup Day” promotion, ...