Starbucks Unveils Annual Winter Menu Amid Worker Strikes

News Summary

Starbucks will launch its winter menu in Georgia, featuring new festive drinks like Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai and returning favorites. Meanwhile, workers in Atlanta are striking for better pay and conditions as the holiday rush approaches, causing some store closures.

Atlanta – Starbucks is set to launch its annual winter menu across Georgia, starting November 6. The new menu will feature a variety of festive drinks, snacks, and merchandise aimed at celebrating the holiday season.

The highlight of this year’s winter offerings is a brand-new beverage, the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, which will join the returning seasonal favorites such as the Chestnut Praline Latte and the Eggnog Latte, both of which will be available later this season. Customers can enjoy these drinks hot, iced, or as blended Frappuccinos. In addition to drinks, popular seasonal snacks like the Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish will be returning. New snack items this year include the Polar Bear Cake Pop and Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread.

Also launching on November 6 at participating locations is a limited-edition Hello Kitty merchandise collection that adds a festive twist to the popular brand.

As the holiday season approaches, Starbucks is facing challenges due to worker strikes in Metro Atlanta and across the nation. On Christmas Eve, some Starbucks workers in the area went on strike, driven by grievances related to pay and working conditions. The striking workers, represented by Starbucks Workers United, claim there has been little progress in contract negotiations. The union is advocating for fair pay and improved working conditions, with demands for a minimum wage increase of 64% immediately and 77% over the duration of a three-year contract.

This strike is part of a broader movement, with over 5,000 workers from more than 300 stores participating nationwide. Some baristas report that they struggle to cover basic living expenses, while Starbucks has announced profits of $24 billion this year. In response, Starbucks has stated that they have made significant negotiations progress, having held over nine bargaining sessions with the union. The company asserts it offers competitive pay and benefits, which equate to around $30 per hour for baristas working at least 20 hours per week.

Starbucks indicated that during the holiday season, 98% of their stores would remain operational. However, the strike escalated on Christmas Eve, resulting in the closure of over 300 stores across 43 states. Major cities saw significant participation from workers who had previously missed out on earlier bargaining discussions.

Store hours for Starbucks locations on December 25 are expected to vary, and customers are encouraged to check local hours through the app or store locator for updated information.

The ongoing negotiations and strikes reflect a growing tension between the company and employees, as the latter push for more substantial changes in their workplace environment amid the holiday rush.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Savannah Now: Starbucks Winter Drinks Availability
• Atlanta News First: Starbucks Employees Strike
• Starbucks: Holiday Menu Announcement
• Wikipedia: Starbucks
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Starbucks