Starbucks workers launch strike at 65 U.S. stores on busy Red Cup Day
More than 1,000 union‑affiliated Starbucks employees walked off the job Thursday at 65 locations across the United States, choosing the company’s high‑traffic Red Cup Day to highlight stalled labor talks. The coordinated action is intended to pressure the coffee giant into accelerating negotiations over wages, benefits and working conditions that have been ongoing for several months.
The strike is part of a broader organizing effort that began in 2021 when baristas in several states voted to form the Starbucks Workers United union. Since then, workers have pursued collective bargaining agreements at hundreds of stores, seeking higher hourly pay, improved health benefits and clearer grievance procedures. Earlier this year, the National Labor Relations Board certified a number of these unions, but talks with corporate management have reportedly reached an impasse, prompting the decision to strike.
Starbucks issued a brief statement acknowledging the walkout and emphasizing its commitment to “constructive dialogue” with employee representatives, while noting that the company continues to offer competitive compensation and training programs. Union leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strike is a “necessary step” to draw public attention to the workers’ demands and to demonstrate solidarity among baristas nationwide. Labor analysts observe that the timing—coinciding with the seasonal Red Cup promotion—could amplify the economic impact and increase public scrutiny of the dispute.
Industry watchers predict that the strike may expand if negotiations remain deadlocked, potentially affecting additional stores in the coming weeks. Both parties have indicated a willingness to return to the bargaining table, suggesting that a resolution could be reached before the holiday season. The outcome will likely influence not only Starbucks’ labor strategy but also set a precedent for unionization efforts in the broader retail and service sectors.
