Starbucks has announced that it will cut approximately 900 U.S. jobs and close its worst-performing stores in the U.S. and some in the U.K. as part of a cost-saving initiative. CEO Niccol’s Turnaround StrategyBrian Niccol, who joined Starbucks as CEO last year after a successful six-year stint at Chipotle Mexican Grill, is leading a wide-ranging turnaround strategy in his first year with the company. His efforts have included remodeling stores to revamp seating and bringing back self-service condiment bars in an attempt to attract back dissatisfied customers. Workers United, which represents employees at over 600 of Starbucks’ company-owned stores, is fighting for a contract agreement and has voiced concerns about under-staffing and overwhelmed baristas. While CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround strategy is aggressive and may be necessary, it risks alienating employees and further damaging the company’s brand reputation.