AMHERST, NY — Baristas at Starbucks in Amherst and across the country are ramping up calls for a fair union contract, rallying outside local cafes as part of a national wave of strikes and pickets in 60 cities.

Union members Wednesday in Amherst participated in what they called a "practice picket." They said the company continues to stall talks, even as the busy holiday season approaches, and that they are expecting unrealistic working conditions.

Abby Murphy, a Starbucks strike captain, talked with 2 On Your Side about the workers' issues with management.

"They are expecting us to be creative, and fun, and come up with something new for each and every customer that comes through. The reality is that we make hundreds of drinks every day, and it's just not realistic for us to write on ev

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