StarBucks Baristas Announce ‘Red’ Cup Rebellion Strike in 45 Cities Nationwide

More than 1,000 Starbucks Baristas went on strike at 65 stores in major US cities on Thursday, protesting fractious labor negotiations with the company.

The strike aims to disrupt Starbucks’ red cup day – one of its busiest days – when the company hands out reusable cups to consumers for holiday drinks.

“We are turning the time of the red cup into a rebellion of the red cup. Starbucks’ refusal to end the union’s fair and union contract forces us to take a big step,” said a barista in Pittsburgh, “said a barista in Pittsburgh, said a press release from the workers of the united stars, the union is planning a strike.

Organizers say the strike will affect stores in 45 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, Dalbucks and Seattle.

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There is no deadline for the Strike Set, organizers say they are willing to join the holiday season if the two sides do not reach a contract agreement.

Organizers accused the coudouse coffee chain of unionizing, refusing to negotiate a fair contract and continuing hundreds of unresolved worker abuses.

Organizers called off the strike on Starbucks Red Cust Day. (Daniella Genovese/Fox Business, File/Fox News)

The workers want more good workers and more hours, higher home pay and fair compensation, and a decision to 700 + waiting for unfair labor cases filed with the National Labor Real Nature Board, according to union organizers.

A Starbucks spokeswoman said the strike would affect less than 1% of its coffee shops, with the vast majority remaining open and serving as regular customers.

“We are disappointed that the unionized workers, who represent less than 4% of our partners, have asked to go on strike instead of returning to the negotiating table,” said the company’s spokesperson.

People walk past a Starbucks coffee shop in Manhattan, New York, United States on Jan. 15, 2025. (Bassafa Bassim / Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The company said it is ready to continue negotiations whenever the union chooses to return to the table.

“Any agreement needs to reflect the fact that Starbucks offers excellent work, including the $30 per hour average wage and benefits for hourly associates,” said a spokeswoman.

As of December 2021, more than 12,000 Starbucks employees in nearly 650 stores have unionized. However, progress on the first contract has stalled despite negotiations between April and December 2024.

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When Ceo Brian Niccol took the reins of the coffee chain last year, he announced a reset of the relationship with the workers, although the union says that the union went to the right contract.

FOX Business’ Emma Bussey contributed to this report.