Baristas associated with Starbucks Workers United rallied outside a Starbucks location in New York City to advocate for a new contract. The union is seeking improvements in staffing hours, wages, and workplace protections. This protest coincides with the announcement of a potential open-ended strike that may commence on Red Cup Day, a significant sales event for the coffee chain occurring on November 13.
The union's strike authorization received overwhelming support, with 92% of delegates voting in favor. This decision follows a breakdown in negotiations that began in late 2024, leading to mediation in February 2025. Previous proposals from Starbucks were rejected by union members, resulting in the current push for a collective bargaining agreement.
Starbucks Workers United claims to represent over 12,000 workers across more than 650 stores, although Starbucks disputes this, stating the union represents employees at around 550 locations. The union's demands include addressing unfair labor practice charges against the company, alongside calls for better pay and working conditions.
The impending strike could disrupt Starbucks' holiday operations, particularly during its busiest season, when customers often seek seasonal drinks and promotional items, such as the collectible red cups. Despite the union's actions, Starbucks maintains that it provides competitive wages and benefits, stating that it offers an average of over $30 an hour for hourly partners.
Starbucks is currently navigating a turnaround strategy under new CEO Brian Niccol, with recent reports indicating a slight recovery in same-store sales. The company also announced a $1 billion restructuring plan, which includes the closure of some locations and layoffs in nonretail roles. Starbucks has expressed disappointment over the union's decision to strike, emphasizing its willingness to return to negotiations.