Union Starbucks Baristas Launch Unfair Labor Practice Strike in 40+ Cities Nationwide

Over one thousand union baristas launched a “Red Cup Rebellion” unfair labor practice strike Thursday protesting Starbucks’ historic union busting and failure to finalize a fair union contract. The open-ended strike begins with 65 stores across 40+ cities including NYC, and comes after six months of Starbucks refusing to offer new proposals to address workers’ demands for better staffing, higher pay, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

With no set end date to the strike, baristas across more than 550 current union stores are prepared to continue escalating to make this the largest, longest strike in company history if Starbucks fails to deliver a fair union contract and resolve unfair labor practice charges. Here in NYC, baristas kicked off the strike with a rally and picket at 325 Lafayette Street in Brooklyn, where they were joined by supporters from all sectors in demanding a fair contract and calling out corporate greed.

“If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, they’ll see their business grind to a halt,” said Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and 15 year veteran barista. “No contract, no coffee is more than a tagline—it’s a pledge to interrupt Starbucks’ operations and profits until a fair union contract and an end to unfair labor practices are won. Starbucks knows where we stand. We’ve been clear and consistent on what baristas need to succeed: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Bring us NEW proposals that address these issues so we can finalize a contract. Until then, you’ll see us and our allies on the picket line.”

Finalizing a fair union contract would cost Starbucks less than one average day’s sales and less than Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol’s $96 million compensation for just four months of work in 2024, which is the biggest CEO-to-worker pay gap in the country and 6,666 times the average barista’s salary. Read more here.

While baristas are on strike, our job is simple: DON’T SHOP AT STARBUCKS. Sign the No Contract, No Coffee Pledge here!