BUFFALO, N.Y. — Starbucks baristas and supporters gathered outside the Elmwood Avenue location in Buffalo on Saturday afternoon as part of a national wave of demonstrations spanning 35 cities.

The rally aimed to pressure the company for a fair contract, including better staffing, hours, pay, and workplace protections.

Union members emphasized that employees are not officially on strike. However, organizers said the picket served as a practice in the event that union negotiations lead to a strike.

Jasmine Leli, a Starbucks barista from Cheektowaga, highlighted the broader issue facing workers.

“Anybody can just go get another job, right? But we love working at Starbucks, and we know that we can make it better, and we have seen change by bargaining with Starbucks," Leli said. "We've gott

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