[US] Starbucks executive pay in spotlight as barista strikes continue

In the US, as Starbucks’ longest-ever strike continues, Senator Bernie Sanders has challenged the company’s management over executive wage levels, particularly the pay packet of CEO Brian Niccol, HR Grapevine reports.

Mr Niccol made $95.8 million in 2024, at a time when the average Starbucks barista earned just $14,674; a ratio of 6,666-to-1.

According to a new report from the Institute for Policy Studies, this was the largest CEO-to-worker pay gap among S&P 500 companies.

Mr Niccol ranked fourth in CEO compensation in 2025 while the chain’s employees reportedly earned less, on average, than all but two S&P 500 firms. Their $14,674 wage was almost $1,000 less than the federal poverty level for an individual in 2025.

With a base salary of $1.6 million, Mr Niccol only earned $61,538 in salary during his roughly four months on the job in 2024, a Starbucks proxy statement said. He did, however, get a $5 million bonus after just one month at the company.

Senator Sanders' criticism of their CEO follows Starbucks Workers United voting to expand an indefinite strike to 120 stores across 85 US cities.

The striking workers are demanding better pay, improved staffing and schedules, and action on hundreds of alleged labour violations. 

"This is what corporate greed is all about," Mr Sanders said.

The walkout was reportedly timed to coincide with the festive Red Cup Day event and Black Friday to maximise its impact and publicity. It is the longest labour stoppage in the coffee giant's history.

Source: HR Grapevine

(Quotes via original reporting)

In the US, as Starbucks’ longest-ever strike continues, Senator Bernie Sanders has challenged the company’s management over executive wage levels, particularly the pay packet of CEO Brian Niccol, HR Grapevine reports.

Mr Niccol made $95.8 million in 2024, at a time when the average Starbucks barista earned just $14,674; a ratio of 6,666-to-1.

According to a new report from the Institute for Policy Studies, this was the largest CEO-to-worker pay gap among S&P 500 companies.

Mr Niccol ranked fourth in CEO compensation in 2025 while the chain’s employees reportedly earned less, on average, than all but two S&P 500 firms. Their $14,674 wage was almost $1,000 less than the federal poverty level for an individual in 2025.

With a base salary of $1.6 million, Mr Niccol only earned $61,538 in salary during his roughly four months on the job in 2024, a Starbucks proxy statement said. He did, however, get a $5 million bonus after just one month at the company.

Senator Sanders' criticism of their CEO follows Starbucks Workers United voting to expand an indefinite strike to 120 stores across 85 US cities.

The striking workers are demanding better pay, improved staffing and schedules, and action on hundreds of alleged labour violations. 

"This is what corporate greed is all about," Mr Sanders said.

The walkout was reportedly timed to coincide with the festive Red Cup Day event and Black Friday to maximise its impact and publicity. It is the longest labour stoppage in the coffee giant's history.

Source: HR Grapevine

(Quotes via original reporting)