SEATTLE- Unionized Starbucks workers in Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago will strike Friday afternoon as negotiations over a new contract remain at an impasse. The Workers United union, which represents 10,000 baristas, has announced plans to expand strike action if an agreement is not reached, potentially affecting stores nationwide through Christmas Eve.

The union claims Starbucks has the financial ability to raise wages and improve working conditions, citing the compensation package for new CEO Brian Niccol that could top $100 million. Workers are demanding higher wages, more staff and better planning.

However, Starbucks argues that the union’s demands are unrealistic. The company said negotiations have been ongoing for more than 10 months and some progress had been made before union representatives left the negotiating table this week.

Starbucks responded Wednesday evening with the following statement:

It is disappointing that the union is considering a strike instead of focusing on the highly productive negotiations. Since April, we have planned and attended more than eight multi-day bargaining sessions where we reached thirty meaningful agreements on dozens of issues that Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues.

We remain committed to working together and are committed to reaching a final framework agreement. That is our goal. If delegates want to serve the partners they represent, they must continue negotiating an agreement.

Starbucks offers competitive pay and top-notch benefits, collectively worth an average of $30 per hour for baristas. Our industry-leading benefits are available to partners who work just 20 hours per week. These include health care, free college tuition, paid family leave and company stock grants. No other retailer offers such a comprehensive wage and benefits package.

Starbucks emphasized its commitment to a final agreement and highlighted its competitive salary and benefits package, which it said is unparalleled in the retail industry.

The strike is scheduled to begin at the Starbucks Roastery location on Capitol Hill at 3 p.m.