Starbucks is raising employee salaries to attract employees

Starbucks is raising salaries for its U.S. employees and making other changes as the company grapples with a tough job market and unions loom.

The coffee giant announced Wednesday that all of its U.S. workers will be making at least $ 15 – and up to $ 23 – an hour by next summer.

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At the end of January, employees with two or more years of service will receive a 5% raise, while employees with five or more years of service can receive a raise of up to 10%.

A $ 200 recruitment bonus is offered to attract new employees.

In a letter to employees, Starbucks North American President Rossann Williams said the pay rises will not only help workers but also improve recruitment efforts.

MORE STARBUCKS EMPLOYEES ARE PRESSING FOR THE UNION VOTE

Starbucks has raised wages three times in 24 months.

Employees from three Starbucks stores in Buffalo, New York are trying to form a union to help them influence issues such as staff shortages and employee training. The group, Starbucks Workers United, has petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for union votes.

The company, which has no unions in its 8,000 company-owned stores in the US, has said it respects workers’ right to association but does not believe a union is necessary due to its pro-worker policies.

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To improve working conditions, Starbucks is updating its training guide and adding more training time to employees. It said it also plans to test an app that will allow workers to sign up for available shifts that match their schedule.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.