Starbucks Boosts Pay and Benefits for Hourly Workers

Starbucks is increasing wages and benefits for most of its U.S. hourly workers, excluding unionized employees, after reporting record sales. The company will raise wages for non-union workers by 3% to 5% depending on years of service, but this new benefit is not available to unionized stores. Workers United union plans to file unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks, claiming that withholding benefits from unionized stores is against the law. Additionally, Starbucks is shortening the time for hourly employees to accrue vacation days, but this benefit is also exclusive to non-unionized stores. The company's actions contradict a September ruling by the National Labor Relations Board, which stated that Starbucks acted illegally by raising pay only for non-union workers.