Meantime, organized workers in other industries have won much larger gains. The United Auto Workers union’s deal with General Motors (GM.N) includes a 25% base wage increase for full-time workers over 4-1/2 years, implying a yearly raise of more than 5%. Part-time workers at United Parcel Service (UPS.N) won a 48% average pay hike over five years, akin to a 10% annual increase.
While U.S. baristas continue to organize, contracts approved at two Canadian Starbucks stores suggests employees’ bargaining power is fizzling. The deals include a 5% wage hike to catch up with non-union stores, and another 5% bump for the next two years. For now, the labor action brewing at Starbucks is decidedly low-strength.(By Ben Winck)
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