Jan 31 (Reuters) - Starbucks ( SBUX ) and its union

representing over 10,000 baristas have agreed to withdraw

lawsuits filed against each other, the company said, a day after

the two sides agreed to bring in a mediator to help resume

stalled negotiations.

Talks between the two parties, which began in April, were

halted in December before a final round, with the union saying

the coffee chain had yet to bring a comprehensive package to the

table.

Friday's decision brings the two a step closer to reaching a

contract.

"We continue to work to reach agreement on a framework for

single-store contracts," Starbucks ( SBUX ) said in a statement. The

workers' union did not immediately respond to a Reuters request

for comment.

The union went on a five-day strike just ahead of Christmas,

which closed Starbucks ( SBUX ) stores in multiple cities including Los

Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.