Starbucks workers are striking in dozens of cities across the country in time for Red Cup Day
Starbucks Workers United planned strikes at certain stores in 41 cities starting on Thursday, Nov. 13, as Starbucks and the union struggle to agree to a contractual agreement. The first day of the strike falls on Starbucks' popular Red Cup Day, when the retailer distributes free, reusable red cups to customers with the order of a drink.
Starbucks and Workers United began negotiations on a contract for unionized baristas in February 2024, but no agreement has been reached, with both sides pointing fingers at the other.
During a news conference the morning of Nov. 13, Workers United Labor Union President Lynne Fox said throughout her tenure with the organization, she had "never seen an employer act with such reckless disregard for breaking labor laws over and over again." In the past year, Starbucks Workers United has filed more than 100 Unfair Labor Practice complaints against Starbucks, she said.
Starbucks Workers United spokesperson Michelle Eisen said during the news conference that the union had not received communication from the company since the strikes began.
