More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers struck at 65 U.S. stores on Red Cup Day, one of the company's busiest, protesting stalled labor negotiations. Workers demand higher pay, improved hours, better staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practices, while Starbucks maintains it offers leading wages and benefits.
Over 1,000 unionized Starbucks baristas initiated an open-ended strike at 65 U.S. stores across 45 cities, including major hubs like New York and Seattle, specifically targeting the company's high-traffic Red Cup Day. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the strike aims to pressure Starbucks over a lack of progress in contract negotiations that have been stalled since April. Workers are demanding higher pay, improved staffing levels to reduce customer wait times, and more consistent hours, with many struggling to secure the 20 hours per week needed for benefits. They also seek resolution for hundreds of unfair labor practice charges, alleging retaliatory firings and a lack of bargaining over policy changes like restroom access. Starbucks, which has 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores, states that the vast majority remain open and emphasizes its competitive wage and benefit package, averaging $30 per hour, and claims the union walked away from negotiations. Despite the relatively small number of unionized stores (around 550), experts note the strike's high visibility can educate the public and leverage customer connections. This marks another instance of Red Cup Day strikes, with organizers warning more stores could join if an agreement isn't reached.
