Striking Starbucks workers get visit and lunch from Sen. Gallego

Picketing Starbucks workers in the East Valley got a visit from one of their U.S. senators on Friday.

Baristas began striking nationwide about a month ago.

The strike known as the Red Cup Rebellion is officially over allegations of unfair labor practices. But pay is also top of mind for Aesop Kalota, a Starbucks employee for two years.

“(I want to) make a liveable wage. I pay a lot in rent living here. Living is very difficult,” Kalota said.

Kalota’s union is demanding Starbucks negotiate a fair contract. And they have support from Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego. He said unions are leverage over the rich and powerful.

“Think about how ridiculous this is, they shut down a Starbucks because they are afraid of working class people getting a decent wage and having some power,” Gallego said.

A Starbucks spokesperson says 99% of stores are open, and the company is ready to negotiate once the union is willing to resume contract talks.

Four year employee Lucien Faul renewed her commitment to the strike by getting a tattoo of a ghost on a picket line.

“I’m here to show up and show out because it’s really important for us to actively participate in making the workplace exactly what we want it to be,” Faul said.

A burrito lunch came courtesy of Gallego, who visited the Gilbert Starbucks near McQueen and Guadalupe roads.

“This is the stuff that happens when corporate power does not want to give way to worker power. So thank you for being out here. It is a tough time in this country right now,” Gallego said.