New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has publicly expressed his support for Starbucks baristas who are currently on strike, urging residents to refrain from patronizing the coffee chain until the workers secure a fair contract. The call to action comes amid ongoing labor disputes and stalled negotiations for a new contract.
Mamdani’s statement was made via social media on Thursday, coinciding with Red Cup Day, a high-traffic sales event for Starbucks, where customers receive free reusable holiday cups. This year’s strike is notable as it is the fourth organized by the union since 2023, and the third under CEO Brian Niccol’s leadership, which began in October 2024. The strike follows recent company restructuring efforts that resulted in the closure of over 600 Starbucks locations across the United States.
In his message, Mamdani emphasized the significance of solidarity among consumers and workers, stating, "Together, we can send a powerful message. No contract, no coffee." His support for the striking workers reflects his long-standing alignment with labor movements, suggesting that his approach as mayor may include leveraging his platform to advocate for worker rights.
Despite the ongoing strike, a Starbucks spokesperson indicated that the company expects to surpass its sales targets for the day across its North American locations. The situation highlights the tension between labor actions and corporate performance metrics during significant sales events.
Mamdani’s support for the baristas marks a significant moment in his early tenure as mayor-elect and may signal a broader commitment to labor advocacy during his time in office.