ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Starbucks workers at the Anderson Township location officially joined the nationwide strike Tuesday morning, part of a growing movement led by the Starbucks Workers United union. The local store joined a union in July, becoming one of hundreds of locations pushing for better pay, better scheduling and improved working conditions.

The strike in Anderson Township coincides with actions at up to 500 stores across the country involving up to 10,000 workers. Those efforts, which began Saturday, included strikes in cities like Columbus and other major hubs across the United States.

Unionized workers are demanding a minimum wage of $20 an hour, fully employer-paid health care, and improved benefits, including fair vacation and sick leave policies. They also call for written guarantees of basic rights in the workplace, citing ongoing concerns about low wages, understaffing and harassment, as well as unfair disciplinary practices.

The move underscores the general frustration among Starbucks employees. Workers have also pointed to broken equipment and inconsistent schedules as barriers to providing quality service and maintaining job satisfaction.

The Anderson Township location joins other regional unionized stores, including the West 4th and Vine store in downtown Cincinnati, which unionized in 2022. Although there is no confirmation of a strike at the downtown location, the movement reflects the growing momentum of the Starbucks Workers United campaign.

As the strike continues, workers hope to draw attention to their demands, including fairer treatment under Starbucks’ new leadership. With picket lines visible in cities across the country, the union is increasing its call for change.

Negotiations with Starbucks management are still ongoing.