(Reuters) -Starbucks and its union representing over 10,000 baristas have agreed to withdraw lawsuits filed against each other, the company said, a day after the two sides agreed to bring in a mediator to help resume stalled negotiations.
Talks between the two parties, which began in April, were halted in December before a final round, with the union saying the coffee chain had yet to bring a comprehensive package to the table.
Friday’s decision brings the two a step closer to reaching a contract.
“We continue to work to reach agreement on a framework for single-store contracts,” Starbucks said in a statement.
“When Starbucks withdrew its lawsuit, the union withdrew its counter lawsuit. We’re proud to support Starbucks baristas in their fight for a fair contract,” The workers’ union said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
The union went on a five-day strike just ahead of Christmas, which closed Starbucks stores in multiple cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.
(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh and Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)
