A passionate crowd of a few hundred people protested outside the Empire State Building in New York City, demanding Starbucks negotiate a contract with its union, Starbucks Workers United. While Starbucks claimed only 25 of the demonstrators were employees, the union asserted that over 100 baristas participated. Twelve picketers were arrested during the protest, which is part of ongoing strikes that began on November 13. The tensions arise from stalled contract negotiations, with the union seeking better wages and benefits amid claims of inadequate offers from Starbucks.
