Despite the strike, Starbucks executives announced on November 14 that the company held “the strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history.”
Hear how Starbucks workers go on strike on Red Cup Day
Starbucks employees across the country are leading a strike as the coffee chain and union groups struggle to reach a collective bargaining agreement.
More than 1,000 Starbucks employees took part in a nationwide strike dubbed the Red Cup Rebellion on Thursday, Nov. 13, but the union representing baristas says the fight is far from over.
Starbucks Workers United said in a Nov. 14 news release that Thursday’s protests, which included participants in more than 40 U.S. cities demanding better wages and benefits, could expand and escalate into “the largest and longest strike in corporate history if Starbucks continues to ignore its demands.”
The union, which represents employees at about 550 of the coffeehouse chain’s estimated 10,000 stores in the United States, highlighted the impact of the Nov. 13 strike on Starbucks operations.
“By mid-afternoon, the majority of the 65 Starbucks union stores on strike (unfair labor practice) had been forced to close due to staffing shortages,” the union said. “On Thursday afternoon, as employees picketed and baristas, allies, and elected officials rallied in 17 cities, customers were greeted with a sign in the window that read, ‘We are temporarily closed.'”
The strike occurred on “Red Cup Day,” when Starbucks hands out free reusable red cups to customers who order a drink. This day is often one of a company’s busiest days of the year.
In a statement emailed to USA TODAY on Nov. 14, Starbucks spokesperson Jaycee Anderson said the impact on the company’s operations on Thursday was minimal and, in fact, sales for the day were higher than expected.
“Despite Workers United’s efforts to cause disruption, more than 99% of our coffeehouses remain open, and our partners (employees) delivered the strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history, launching last Thursday’s holiday season with the company’s biggest sales day ever,” the statement said. “We are anticipating a bright holiday season and look forward to welcoming our customers to one of our 17,000 locations nationwide while enjoying their favorite holiday drinks.”
CEO says Starbucks held “the strongest reusable red cup day in company history”
Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Nicol did not mention the strike in a Nov. 14 blog post, but said the company had “the strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history.”
“This shows what is possible if we continue to focus on our customers and set up our Green Apron partners to deliver a great experience in every coffeehouse,” he said.
In his post, Nicol also said Starbucks coffeehouses are “fully staffed” and “supported by passionate leaders.”
“Partners worked as a team, had fun and connected with customers,” he added. “Orders were placed with care and served on time, and our coffee house was warm and welcoming and full of joy.”
“I want Starbucks to succeed. My livelihood depends on it.”
For Dati Sportore, a barista from Pittsburgh, this strike isn’t a game. It’s a fight for her livelihood.
“I want Starbucks to succeed. My livelihood depends on it. I know that for Starbucks to succeed, we have to prioritize, including the people like me who make the coffee, open the stores, and keep the customers coming back. We take pride in the work we do, but we’re tired of being treated like we’re disposable,” Sportore said in a Nov. 14 release.
Sportore acknowledged that he and his union members were putting their jobs and financial security at risk, adding that he hoped to “win the contract and resolve the legal issues” with Starbucks “with clear eyes.”
Before the protest, Anderson told USA TODAY on Nov. 12 that the company was disappointed that the union chose to strike rather than negotiate.
“When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk,” she said.
Elected officials express support for Starbucks union during strike
Some elected officials, including New York Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, decided to show support for the union during a strike on Thursday, November 13th.
“Starbucks employees across the country are on an unfair labor practice strike and fighting for a fair contract,” Mamdani wrote in the X post. “I will not buy a Starbucks while workers are on strike, and I ask you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: ‘No contract, no coffee.'”
New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson and several other Democratic politicians have expressed support for the union’s efforts.
“Baristas are the heart and soul of this company, and they deserve better than empty promises and union-busting…This is your home and my home. Seattle is making some changes right now, and I urge you to do the right thing,” Wilson said in a news release.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., home state of Starbucks, also pinned a letter to Nicol on Nov. 12, urging the company to return to the bargaining table with unions.
“We believe it is long past time for a deal, and we urge everyone to come to the table now. We look forward to a serious deal that provides fair wages and working conditions for the more than 12,000 unionized Starbucks employees across the country,” Murray wrote.
