Starbucks employees across the country have been on strike for much of Red Cup Day, demanding better wages and benefits from the company.
Starbucks Workers United has planned a strike at various Starbucks stores in 41 cities starting Thursday, Nov. 13, as the coffee house chain and union organizers struggle to reach a contract agreement. The first day of the strike falls on Starbucks’ popular Red Cup Day. On this day, Starbucks will give out free reusable red cups to customers who order a drink.
Starbucks and Workers United began contract negotiations for unionized baristas in February 2024, but no agreement was reached and the two sides are at odds. The union is demanding improvements in working hours, increases in take-home pay, and resolution of allegations of unfair and unfair labor practices.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaycee Anderson told USA TODAY on Nov. 12 that the company is willing to negotiate with the union.
“We are disappointed that Workers United, which represents only about 4% of our partner companies, voted to authorize a strike rather than return to the negotiating table,” Anderson said. “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk.”
Anderson added that even if a store closes due to a strike, “we can guarantee that there will be a store nearby that is open and able to serve our customers.”
Here are some of the strikes that took place on November 12th.
Starbucks faces potential holiday strike as union authorizes strike
Starbucks Workers United has approved an indefinite strike starting on Red Cup Day, one of the chain’s biggest sales days.
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See photos of Starbucks workers striking on Red Cup Day
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
