A Starbucks barista strike is expanding to some 5,000 workers at what organizers said was more than 300 stores in 45 states, just as the company's busy holiday stretch begins.

A Starbucks barista strike is expanding to about 5,000 workers during the company’s busy holiday season. Workers walked off the job again on Tuesday and closed about 170 stores. Their union is calling for better benefits and immediate pay increases.

Earlier, Starbucks said the union “prematurely ended” a bargaining session and called for talks to continue. The coffee chain has said it’s focused on improving workers’ experience and that baristas who work at least 20 hours a week receive $30 an hour, on average, when combining pay and benefits.