Workers and supporters gathered Wednesday, Oct. 1, at an Oklahoma City Starbucks store at 132 NW 23rd St. to support baristas, allies and other workers demanding Starbucks settle a union contract. The event was part of a national effort in 35 cities.

In a news release, the group said the workers are demanding a contract that delivers "improved staffing, hours, take-home pay, and on-the-job protections for baristas, and to protest the company’s unfair labor practices."

Starbucks said last week it would close underperforming stores in North America as CEO Brian Niccol presses ahead with his restructuring effort, which is expected to cost $1 billion. Talks between Starbucks and the Workers United union, which represents over 12,000 baristas, began last April, but have hit a wall since.

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