Starbucks Workers to Strike Thursday, Demand Labor Contract

Unionized Starbucks workers are slated to strike on Thursday, demanding a labor contract that they say is long overdue. This labor action, dubbed the “red cup rebellion,” coincides with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, a promotion where customers receive free reusable cups at stores.

Strike Overview

The strike involves Starbucks Workers United, representing over 9,500 baristas across 550 locations. Workers are advocating for improved pay, better staffing, and resolutions to ongoing labor disputes. The action is set to commence at more than 65 stores in over 40 cities nationwide.

Key Statistics

• Workers Involved: 9,500 baristas
• Number of Locations: 550 Starbucks cafes
• Stores Impacted: Over 65
• Cities Affected: 40+
• Strike Authorization Vote: 92% in favor
• Current Company Stores: 17,000 U.S. outlets

Union’s Position

Michelle Eisen, spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United and a barista with 15 years of experience, stated, “If Starbucks continues to stonewall a fair contract, they will see their business grind to a halt.” The union stands firm on its stance of “No contract, no coffee,” as a commitment to halt operations until their demands are met.

Company Response

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson commented that the strike has led to “minimal impacts” on store operations. She noted that less than 1% of the company’s stores are experiencing disruptions. Furthermore, CEO Brian Niccol has asserted that Starbucks offers the best wages and benefits in the industry, labeling the union’s requests as “unreasonable.”

Negotiation Background

Contract negotiations began in April 2024 but stalled in December. Although the union claims to have secured 33 tentative agreements from Starbucks, the majority of these are non-economic proposals. The current strike represents the third national work stoppage organized by Workers United in the past year, following protests in December 2024 and again in May.

Striking Locations

The strike will affect various Starbucks locations across the U.S. Here are some of the key cities involved:

• Anaheim, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Minneapolis, MN
• New York, NY
• Dallas, TX
• Seattle, WA

As the strike unfolds, it symbolizes a pivotal moment in the ongoing labor movement within the service industry, highlighting the demand for fair labor practices and contracts at Starbucks.