[Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include comments from Starbucks.]
The Starbucks Workers United union has authorized unfair labor practice (ULP) strikes against the coffee retailer by a 92% vote after six months of stalemated negotiations. The union had rejected an offer from Starbucks that included at least 2% annual raises in April 2025.
Unionized baristas could turn Nov. 13, Starbucks’ Red Cup Day — one of its biggest promotional events of the year — into the “Red Cup Rebellion,” with strike actions hitting more than 25 cities. “Baristas are prepared to escalate if they don’t see new proposals and substantial progress toward finalizing a contract that addresses pay, hours and staffing, and the resolution of hundreds of ULPs,” according to a union statement.
Starbucks has indicated its willingness to return to discussions with the union. “We are disappointed that Workers United, who only represents around 4% of our partners, has voted to authorize a strike instead of returning to the bargaining table,” said Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks spokesperson in an emailed statement. “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk. Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners. The facts show people like working at Starbucks.”
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In September 2024 Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol sent a letter to the union saying: “I deeply respect the right of partners to choose, through a fair and democratic process, to be represented by a union.” But differences between labor and management have persisted, and were particularly noticeable in December 2024, when the Starbucks union authorized an escalating series of strikes.
The retailer has provided assurance that for the 2025 holiday season, baristas would be “ready to serve them at the vast majority of our more than 10,000 company-operated coffeehouses and nearly 7,000 licensed locations throughout the holiday season, regardless of the union’s plans,” said Anderson.
However, the union remains defiant. “Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract and end Starbucks’ unfair labor practices,” said Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and 15-year veteran barista, in a statement. “We want Starbucks to succeed, but turning the company around and bringing customers back begins with listening to and supporting the baristas who are responsible for the Starbucks experience. If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”
In February 2025 Starbucks eliminated 1,100 jobs in an effort to simplify support structures. Starbucks did boost salaried workers’ pay by 2% in August 2025, covering managers, manufacturing and distribution workers but not store-level baristas.
