Starbucks likes to call my $15.50-an-hour job as a barista the best job in retail, but because nothing is guaranteed and our hours are constantly changing, I am lucky if I can clock 30 hours a week. I cannot support myself like this long term, let alone build my savings. Similarly, my co-workers who rely on benefits are lucky if they meet the 20-hours-a-week threshold they need to qualify. All of our finances are on a knife’s edge, but Starbucks tells us to be grateful. All of our finances are on a knife’s edge, but Starbucks tells us to be grateful. I was on strike for weeks this fall with up to 4,500 unionized baristas with Workers United on a nationwide unfair labor practice, or ULP, strike to demand Starbucks stop union-busting and finalize a contract with the pay, hours and protections we need to succeed. Our historic Red Cup Rebellion is now the longest ULP strike in Starbucks’ history. While some of us have returned to work, more than 1,000 baristas in 10 cities are still striking, and hundreds more might join them soon. My mornings start before the sun. My commute is usually peaceful; few people are up, and the world is quiet. But the calm ends the minute I am inside the doors at work. It’s 5 o’clock, and the store needs to be set up and opened. The morning rush is full of friendly faces eager to get caffeinated, eat breakfast and start their day. Everyone wearing an apron…
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