Starbucks Red Cup Day strike: Starbucks strike 2025: Why baristas are protesting on Red Cup Day across 40 cities – will it affect holiday sales?
Why Are Starbucks Baristas Launching Open-Ended Strikes in More Than 40 Cities?
According to the report, the Workers Union voted to allow the strike after failing to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the company. According to CNBC, the union is demanding improved working hours, higher wages and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practices charges filed against Starbucks.
Red Cup Day Disrupted and Holiday Sales at Risk Due to Ongoing Starbucks Strike
The protest could disrupt Starbucks’ holiday season, which is usually a key time for sales, the report said. The company recently broke a nearly two-year streak of declining same-store sales under CEO Brian Niccol, making the holiday quarter critical to the company’s U.S. recovery, CNBC reported. The company said past strikes affected less than 1% of Starbucks stores, according to the report.
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The Biggest Strike in Starbucks History May Be Coming
The union, which started organizing at Starbucks in 2021, currently represents more than 12,000 workers in more than 550 stores, according to a CNBC report. However, according to the report, Starbucks argues that Workers United represents only 9,500 employees across 550 locations.
Baristas said they were ready to escalate the walkout, warning that it could be the largest and longest strike in Starbucks history if the company does not provide a fair union contract and address worker grievances, according to the report.
Bold Message from Starbucks Workers Union: “No Contract, No Coffee”
“If Starbucks continues to block a fair contract and refuses to end the union crackdown, they will see their business grind to a halt,” said Michelle Eisen, a former barista and Workers United spokeswoman, adding: “No contract, no coffee is nothing more than a slogan – it’s a commitment to disrupt Starbucks operations and profits until a fair union contract is won and unfair labor practices end. Starbucks knows where we stand,” as quoted by CNBC. ALSO READ: DIS stock today: Why are Disney shares falling after mixed earnings report?
Starbucks Response: Ready to Serve Customers
Meanwhile, Starbucks remains ready to serve customers at approximately 18,000 company-operated and licensed stores during the holiday season, according to the report.
Negotiations Continue: Starbucks Ready to Talk If Union Returns
Starbucks spokeswoman Jaci Anderson said: “Starbucks offers the best jobs in retail, including an average salary of more than $30 per hour and benefits for hourly associates. Workers United, which represents only 4% of our associates, has chosen to walk away from the bargaining table. We have asked them to return multiple times. If they are ready to return, we are ready to talk. We believe we can move quickly to a reasonable agreement.”
FAQ
Why are Starbucks baristas on strike?
They want better working hours, higher wages and resolution of allegations of unfair labor practices.
How many Starbucks stores are affected?
More than 65 stores in more than 40 cities are on strike.
