Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to more cities, closing 59 stores across the U.S. on Monday, according to the union that 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 City, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and St. Louis.

“We respect our partners’ right to engage in lawful strike activities, and we appreciate the thousands of partners across the country who continue to support each other and deliver the Starbucks experience to our customers,” the company said in a statement.

Workers are protesting against a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.

STARBUCKS RESPONDS TO UNION DEMANDS WHEN EMPLOYEES STOP

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

Starbucks Workers United said the company had failed to meet a commitment made 10 months ago to reach a collective bargaining agreement this year. Talks between Starbucks and the union have stalled due to unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules.

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

Starbucks said the disruption caused by the strike would not have a significant impact on operations, with only a handful of stores nationwide affected.

STARBUCKS UNION WORKERS Vote to Authorize Strike

Baristas demonstrate 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 approximately 200,000 people in the United States.

The company and the union have been negotiating since April. Starbucks said it was committed to an annual wage increase of 1.5% or more for unionized workers, even if the wage increase for nonunion workers was smaller in a given year.

Starbucks baristas earn an average of $18 an hour in the U.S., but with benefits included — like health care, free college tuition and paid family leave — the pay package for baristas who work at least 20 hours averages $30 an hour worth per week, the company said.

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

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But workers are dissatisfied, pointing out that Starbucks’ new chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, who started in September, could make 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 allegations that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

Reuters contributed to this report.