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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Closes Higher On BNM’s OPR Decision, Wall Street Gains

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher, buoyed by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent, alongside positive cues from Wall Street. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 19.30 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 1,635.86 from Wednesday’s close of 1,616.56. The benchmark index opened 6.72 points higher at 1,623.28, and fluctuated between an intraday high of 1,642.44 and a low of 1,622.62 during the trading session. However, market breadth was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers 723 to 497, while 466 counters were unchanged, 1,075 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 3.74 billion units valued at RM3.61 billion compared with yesterday’s 2.81 billion units valued at RM2.57 billion.

Starbucks Workers Strike Over Wages and Staffing Issues

Starbucks baristas represented by the Workers United union began a five-day strike in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle on Friday, citing unresolved disputes over wages, staffing, and schedules. The action involves over 10,000 workers and comes amidst rising labor activism in the service industry.


Key Issues and Background

  • Labor Actions Surge:
    This strike follows a year of significant labor movements, with industries like automotive, aerospace, and rail seeing notable concessions won by workers. In 2023, there were 33 work stoppages, the highest since 2000.

  • Negotiations Stalled:
    Talks between Starbucks and Workers United began in April, but the union claims the company has yet to propose a serious economic offer with just two weeks left before the year-end contract deadline. Starbucks insists it has reached agreements on over 30 topics in nine bargaining sessions.

  • Union Demands:
    The union is pushing for a 64% immediate wage increase and 77% over three years, which Starbucks has labeled as unsustainable.

  • Legal Complaints:
    Starbucks faces hundreds of complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging unlawful practices like firing union supporters and store closures during campaigns. Starbucks denies wrongdoing, stating its respect for workers’ right to unionize.


Company's Response

Starbucks said it remains committed to negotiations and is implementing a turnaround strategy under CEO Brian Niccol, focusing on restoring "coffee house culture," simplifying menus, and improving cafe operations.


Union Escalation

The union warned that walkouts could extend to hundreds of stores nationwide by Christmas Eve. This adds pressure on the company during the busy holiday season.


This strike underscores escalating tensions between workers and employers in the service industry as unions demand fairer wages and better working conditions.

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