Starbucks strike expands to over 300 stores in Africa as workers demand better pay and conditions
In a bold move, Starbucks workers in South Africa and other African countries have expanded their strike to over 300 stores, in a bid to demand improved pay, better working conditions, and an end to the exploitation of international workers.
The strike, which began in Johannesburg last week, has already drawn widespread support from union members and international labor organizations, and sees workers at more than 300 Starbucks stores across South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania walk off the job.
According to the union, the strike is a result of years of frustration with long working hours, low wages, and inadequate benefits, with many workers earning as little as R15,000 (approximately $1,000) per month, often working seven days a week.
The protesters are also demanding an end to the company’s practice of hiring foreign workers on temporary contracts, which they say are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
“We are striking because we want to be recognized as workers, not just as temporary or casual workers,” said a striking barista in Johannesburg. “We want a living wage, job security, and an end to exploitation.”
The struggles of these workers are not unique to Africa, as workers around the world are demanding better pay and conditions from global corporations like Starbucks.
The strike has received widespread support from international labor organizations, with some calling it a “wake-up call” to the global coffee giant to address the working conditions of its international staff.
The Africa-based subsidiary of the company, Seahaglenet, operates in seven countries, employing over 10,000 workers across the region. While the US-based corporation is known for its vaunted benefits packages and employee perks in its home market, the picture is very different in Africa, where many workers face poverty and exploitation.
In a statement, the company said that it was “committed to finding a resolution to the dispute and ensure that our customers continue to receive the high-quality service they expect from us.”