STARBUCKS workers have filed charges with the National Labour Relations Board after the global coffee giant announced a pay rise that would only be available to non-union employees.  

The company announced the package earlier this week along with a staff-training programme, but said unionised stores and those that have filed for recognition would be excluded. 

Chief executive Howard Schultz, who recently returned for a third term at the helm, told investors that spending would come close to $1 billion for the fiscal year and would help Starbucks deal with increased demand.