Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Starbucks Red Cup Day Set for Thursday as Union Plans Open-Ended Strike

A planned open-ended walkout by Starbucks Workers United could disrupt the event.

Overview

  • Customers who buy a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage on Nov. 13 receive a free 16-ounce reusable red cup at participating stores, while supplies last.
  • The giveaway applies to in-store, drive-thru, Starbucks app orders and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats.
  • Starbucks says it will add baristas and distribute more cups than in prior years to handle the rush, calling the effort part of its Back to Starbucks strategy.
  • The union says actions are planned in at least 25 cities and represents workers at roughly 550 U.S. stores; Starbucks said it is ready to resume talks when the union returns to bargaining.
  • Local reporting estimates as many as 12,000 workers could walk off; the 2025 cup is 95% recycled with a design by Yvonne Chan, and exclusions include Starbucks Christmas Blend and Reserve Christmas brewed coffee, with post-event perks of a 10-cent discount and double Rewards stars for reusable cups.