Overview
- Starbucks Workers United said a walkout would begin Nov. 13, coinciding with the company’s Red Cup Day promotion, unless a contract is finalized.
- The strike authorization passed with 92% support, and workers in at least 25 cities are preparing to participate with more locations possible.
- Starbucks said it is disappointed by the vote and maintains most company-owned and licensed stores will stay open, citing average pay and benefits worth over $30 an hour.
- The company says the union proposed a 65% immediate raise and 77% over three years with additional operational changes, a characterization the union disputes as it seeks more hours and higher take-home pay.
- Roughly 550 of about 10,000 company-operated U.S. stores are unionized, and a Nov. 13 strike would be the third national work stoppage in about a year after actions in December 2024 and May 2025.