Bad news for Starbucks customers: Red Cup Day is in jeopardy due to a union baristas strike

Unionized Starbucks baristas have set Red Cup Day, the coffeehouse chain’s annual kick-off of its holiday season menu, as the deadline for the company to finalize a labor contract. Failing that, an overwhelming majority of Starbucks Workers United — 92% — have voted to begin an open nationwide strike.

“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,” said Michelle Eisen, a union spokesperson and 15-year veteran barista at Starbucks in a statement. “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”

Where will Starbucks baristas strike on Red Cup Day?

Red Cup Day is scheduled for 13 November this year, by which time union baristas say they want Starbucks to “finalize a fair contract,” or they will start a ‘Red Cup Rebellion’. The exact number of locations that would be affected by the strike is not currently available, but the union represents baristas at over 600 locations in 25 cities across the United States.

What are Starbucks baristas asking for?

Negotiations on a labor contract began in April 2024, but a year later unionized baristas rejected a framework presented by Starbucks corporate. They accuse the coffeehouse chain of “refusing to offer new proposals to address workers’ demands,” over the past six months.

They are asking for increased hours, better take-home pay and the resolution of under staffing issues, among other demands. “Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail,” said Jasmine Leli, barista strike captain from Buffalo, NY, in a statement. “Right now, it’s only the best job in retail for Brian Niccol,” she added in reference to the Starbucks CEO’s salary, which was 6,666 times more than the average employee in 2024, according to the AFL-CIO labor federation’s annual Executive Paywatch report.

Niccol, who has been in the post since September 2024, disagrees, telling CBS News: “We already give them the best job in retail.” He said Starbucks has the lowest turnover in the industry, the best benefits and best pay. The company has stated that on average pay and benefits add up to over $30 per hour for hourly employees.

“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 a statement. “When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk.”

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