Josh Eidelson at Bloomberg News reports Starbucks and its Union have agreed to bring in an outside mediator for contract negotiations in an effort to revive stalled talks and reach a landmark deal. The company and Workers United “have made progress over the last nine months of bargaining and we are committed to continuing to work together - with a mediator’s assistance - to navigate complex issues and reach fair contracts,” Starbucks and the Union said in a joint statement e-mailed to Bloomberg News. The Union is “optimistic that Starbucks will move off of their fixed position on wage and benefits improvements in this next phase of negotiations,” Barista and Bargaining Delegate Michelle Eisen said in a separate statement from Workers United. The Union and the company have been negotiating a template for first-time Collective Bargaining Agreements covering more than 500 U.S. cafes that have Unionized since late 2021. 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Starbucks, Union Agree to Mediation to Help Get Talks Over Finish Line - Bloomberg