STARBUCKS has come under fire after sacking another union leader in Buffalo, New York state, on Friday, with workers going on strike in protest. 

Sam Amato, who had worked for the global coffee chain for 13 years, was dismissed after bosses accused him of closing the lobby of the Tonawanda store without permission from management. 

He became the ninth union organiser to be sacked in the Buffalo area alone.

Staff at the store walked out in protest on Friday and the strike continued over the weekend. 

Workers United, which represents Starbucks employees, said it has filed charges against the company over Mr Amato’s dismissal.  

“Starbucks has escalated its union-busting tactics to an unimaginable and absurd degree,” the union said in a statement.  

“Over 75 workers and union leaders across the United States have been terminated by the company.”

Mr Amato insisted that his sacking was motivated by his union activities. He described his treatment as “offensive and shameful.”

Starbucks has been accused of hundreds of violations of labour law in its efforts to keep the union from organising the coffee chain’s workforce. 

Despite attempts at intimidation and the employment of a union-busting company, more than 200 branches have now voted in favour of union recognition.