Overview
- More than 1,000 unionized workers walked off the job on Nov. 13 at roughly 65 stores in at least 40 U.S. cities, timed to the company’s Red Cup Day promotion.
- Starbucks Workers United says the strike seeks a first contract addressing wages, predictable scheduling, staffing levels, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice allegations.
- Red Cup Day typically drives heavy traffic for the chain, with a 42% spike in daily visits reported in 2024, raising the visibility and stakes of the stoppage during the holiday push.
- Starbucks says the vast majority of its nearly 18,000 U.S. company-operated and licensed locations remain open, defends an average $30 per hour in pay and benefits, disputes the union’s membership count, and says it is ready to resume talks.
- Contract talks collapsed late last year after limited progress despite mediation earlier in 2025, and the union says the open-ended action could expand if negotiations do not restart.