Starbucks workers strike at Manhattan flagship store over pest problem

CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) -- Workers at Starbucks' flagship store in Manhattan are going on strike over a potential pest problem.

Employees were picketing outside the company's Reserve Roastery on 9th Avenue in Chelsea.

They say pests were spotted at the location recently and nothing was done to get rid of them.

ALSO READ | Full list: 19 dry shampoos recalled over potential cancer-causing ingredient

Unilever voluntarily recalled more than a dozen dry shampoo aerosol products from brands such as TRESemme, Suave, Dove and more, due to concerns about benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer.

Union members say it's part of a bigger problem of management not meeting their needs.

"We've dealt with a barrage of union busting and intimidation tactics, and management time and time again has not shown up for us, has not listened to us and today is sort of the last straw," Starbucks worker Ashley Kido said.

Starbucks says pest control visited the store yesterday and found no infestation or insect activity. They were given the all-clear to re-open on Tuesday.

Workers at the store voted to unionize back in April.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.