More than 1,000 Starbucks unionised baristas in over 40 U.S. cities launched an open-ended strike on Thursday, the union said, escalating their push for a collective bargaining agreement over pay and other benefits at the coffee giant, Reuters reported.

The walkout, which the union said will begin with 65 stores, coincides with Starbucks' Red Cup Day, a busy holiday sales event that typically drives higher customer visits.

(With inputs from Reuters)

See Full Page