STARBUCKS workers in US city of Buffalo walked out today, accusing the global coffee chain of putting “profit over people” as they urged bosses to close stores affected by coronavirus outbreaks.

They shut down the Elmwood branch in New York state’s second-largest city due to understaffing and health concerns, Starbucks Workers United said.

The union accused Starbucks bosses of putting pressure on staff to continue working despite unsafe conditions, with a number of “partners” – company jargon for workers – off after testing positive for coronavirus.