Being a Starbucks barista used to be about that perfect coffee moment and the camaraderie with your teammates. We really prided ourselves on our teamwork, making sure every drink was just right and every customer felt welcomed. But lately, for many of us, the reality has become a constant uphill battle. When they cut our hours and understaff our shifts, that sense of teamwork gets stretched incredibly thin. Imagine trying to manage a bustling rush with half the crew you actually need – it's not just stressful for us, it impacts the quality of service and our ability to connect with customers. Many Starbucks employees, myself included, rely on this job for our livelihoods, for health insurance, and to pay our bills. It’s disheartening when a company that rakes in billions tells us our yearly raise is barely enough to cover a few cups of coffee. How can we plan our futures when our hours are consistently unpredictable, and essential benefits are always just out of reach? This isn't just about money; it’s about dignity and stability for every barista. That’s why so many of us have ultimately come together. It might seem bold for Starbucks employees to go on strike, but we realized we couldn't fight these battles alone. The incredible teamwork we now see among baristas across the country, joining our union, has been truly inspiring. We've seen communities rallying, like the Chicago stores welcoming in the new year by going on STRIKE, and that momentum is contagious. It’s about more than just one store; it’s about all of us, standing united for OUR collective future. There's been a lot of pressure, and attempts to STOP UNION efforts, but our resolve is stronger than ever. This collective action, this renewed form of teamwork, is our way of saying enough is enough. We’re fighting for fair contracts, for predictable hours, and for Starbucks to finally respect its workers. This UNION is our voice, making sure management hears us loud and clear. When we ask you not to buy Starbucks, it’s not because we don't love making coffee or serving our community. It’s because we're at a breaking point. We believe in the power of solidarity – the power of us, Starbucks employees and customers, working together to demand better. This strike, this movement, is the ultimate expression of teamwork – a fight for dignity and a truly fair workplace for every barista.