A federal appeals court on Friday largely rejected Starbucks' appeal of a National Labor Relations Board finding the coffee chain illegally fired two Philadelphia baristas because they wanted to organize a union.

Just in time for the holidays, thousands of Starbucks baristas are expected to be back at work Wednesday after a five-day strike.

Starbucks baristas' fast-growing unfair labor practice strike is expected to hit historic levels Tuesday as hundreds of stores nationwide prepare to join walkouts at the coffee giant. The Starbucks Workers United strike,

Starbucks' union says workers are walking off the job at some 300 — out of over 10,000 — stores across the U.S. as contract negotiations falter. The company urges it to return to the bargaining table.

The Starbucks strike is expanding. Baristas from more than 300 stores are now on strike over better pay and working conditions.

Across the country, baristas at more than 300 cafes were striking, according to their union, Starbucks Workers United.