Starbucks to pay $35M to NYC workers in settlement as ongoing strike draws pols to picket line

Starbucks has agreed to pay $35 million to over 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims of unfair scheduling and hour reductions, as the company faces ongoing union strikes. The settlement includes $3.4 million in civil penalties and compliance with the city's Fair Workweek law. The unionized workers, who have been seeking better hours and staffing, have been on strike for months, with support from politicians like Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Starbucks has committed to operating responsibly and complying with local laws, but the company acknowledges the challenges of managing the city's Fair Workweek law.