Baristas at Starbucks in San Jose, Fairfield, and elsewhere joined thousands of workers across the country in a historic holiday strike that started Friday, December 20, and ended Tuesday, December 25. Workers are demanding a fair contract and an end to unfair labor practices.

Chanting “No contract, no coffee!” workers picketed outside their store as part of “Strikemas,” a nationwide protest during the coffee chain’s busiest season.

For nine months, workers have tried negotiating livable wages and improved conditions, but Starbucks’ recent proposal of minimal raises was deemed “insulting.”

Barista Devasya Kumar shared his frustration, “Starbucks has gotten a new CEO, and he was given a $113 million compensation package. He’s paid $56,000 an hour. We don’t make that in a year. Starbucks, in the same breath, once again claims that they just don’t have the money to give us ample raises. They can only give us a 1.5% or 2%, which is just not in line with the cost of living around here, especially in the Bay Area.”

Workers are fighting illegal union-busting tactics, including firing and retaliating against employees involved in unionizing efforts. Kumar emphasized, “We are protesting and coming out to pressure the company to resolve these issues because it’s been nine months.”

The strike ended with workers hopeful their actions will lead to real change.

SEIU 1021 stands with Starbucks workers in solidarity in continued support.