Starbucks Workers Strike on Red Cup Day Over Stalled Contract Talks

More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas walked off the job Thursday at 65 stores across the United States, striking on one of the coffee giant’s busiest days of the year to protest what they call stalled labor negotiations and ⚖️Unfair treatment.

According to The Associated Press, the strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United, was timed to disrupt the company’s annual ☕Red Cup Day, when customers receive free reusable holiday cups with their drink purchases.

The union said stores in 45 cities — including New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego, Dallas, and Minneapolis — were affected, and more could join if talks with the company remain frozen.

“Some stores are already closed, and more will likely follow,” the union said in a statement Thursday morning.

The walkout marks the latest escalation in a years-long labor battle between Starbucks and its employees. Roughly 550 of the company’s 10,000 corporate-owned U.S. stores have unionized since 2021, when a store in Buffalo, New York, became the first to organize. But nearly three years later, workers say the company has refused to finalize a contract.

“I want Starbucks to succeed. My livelihood depends on it,” said Pittsburgh barista Dochi Spoltore. “We’re proud of our work, but we’re tired of being treated like we’re disposable.”

Workers are demanding better pay, more consistent scheduling, and improved staffing levels. Spoltore said many employees struggle to get the 20 hours per week needed to qualify for benefits, even though she earns just $16 an hour.