Jacksonville Starbucks workers hold ‘sip in’ to tell customers about their push for higher wages
Unionized workers at the Starbucks on San Jose Boulevard at Ricky Drive staged a “sip in” on Monday, inviting the community to order a drink and join the conversation surrounding workers’ rights.
The event is happening until 1 p.m. and this location is joining several across the country in participating in the “sip in,” which is symbolic in recognizing the staff that helps keep the business going.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The workers taking part are inviting anyone who orders a cup of coffee to sit down and take a moment to chat about the changes they want.
The union Starbucks Workers United staged the sip-in to invite people to find more about the changes they’re pushing for, like higher wages.
Read: Jacksonville Starbucks closes for several hours as workers strike for wage increase
“We’re just waiting for Starbucks to meet us at the bargaining table,” said Mason Boykin, who goes by the pronouns he/they, are with the union Starbucks Workers United and have worked with Starbucks for the past four years.
Customers like Mikey LaBelle stopped by the table. He understands why they’re doing it.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
“It’s nice to see people gathering for baristas because if they do it right, they make your day so good, you know. The attention and everything. They should have backing for that,” LaBelle said.
Last month, this location staged a strike over a raise that kicked in a month later than raises for employees in non-unionized shops.
“It doesn’t really ever get to a point where I can start saving because the moment my -- I finally get a raise at work, my rent has gone up by $500,” Boykin said. “Living paycheck to paycheck, it’s hurting us. That’s all we’re asking for is to be seen and see that we’re struggling and we need help.”
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
They want Starbucks to negotiate a contract with them, but until then, they plan to continue organized events like this with the community’s help.
“Make sure you tip the barista and make sure that they’re seen,” Boykin said.
“Workers will feel better being supported by the city around them,” LaBelle said.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.