Starbucks Workers Launch Strike on Chain’s Biggest Day of the Year
The article reports on ongoing labor unrest at Starbucks, a traditionally left-leaning coffee chain. On Starbucks’ major yearly promotion day called “Red Cup Day,” unionized workers planned strikes in over 40 cities, aiming to disrupt one of the company’s busiest days. The strike, dubbed the “Red Cup rebellion” by union members, is a protest against Starbucks’ refusal to finalize a fair union contract and alleged union-busting tactics. Starbucks Workers United,representing roughly 9,500 to 12,000 employees,has targeted the event for strikes as 2022 to press for better labor conditions. The company criticized the strikes as unneeded and said it is willing to return to negotiations. The timing of the strike is strategic, as the promotion typically draws a notable customer rush, offering free reusable holiday cups with purchases.This labor dispute comes amid broader tensions between Starbucks’ corporate culture and its workforce.
Labor unrest is becoming a tradition at the leftist coffee chain Starbucks.
On Thursday, as the Seattle-based business launched its “Red Cup Day” — its most anticipated promotion of the year, meant to kick off the holiday season — its unionized workers were trying to spoil the occasion.
Strikes were planned in more than 40 cities, according to news reports, which could get in the way of customers enjoying their Sugar Cookie Lattes.
Starbucks workers union launches strike in at least 40 cities on chain’s key holiday sales day https://t.co/wwqhMCKJV8
— CNBC (@CNBC) November 13, 2025
“We’re turning the Red Cup Season into the Red Cup Rebellion,” Amos Hall, a barista at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Starbucks, told ABC News.
“Starbucks’ refusal to settle a fair union contract and end union busting is forcing us to take drastic action.”
Starbucks Workers United is a union that claims to represent 12,000 Starbucks employees — the company puts the number at 9,500.
The union has targeted the Starbucks “Red Cup Day” promotion for work stoppages since 2022, a year after the first shops organized.
And the timing of the strikes, of course, is no accident.
“The strike was intended to disrupt Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, which is typically one of the company’s busiest days of the year,” The Associated Press reported, putting the number of cities affected at 45.
“Since 2018, Starbucks has given out free, reusable cups on that day to customers who buy a holiday drink.”
The promotion traditionally brings a crush of business for the baristas to handle.
“The limited-edition cup draws out countless Starbucks customers eager for that year’s holiday collectible item,” as USA Today reported.
Holiday controversy is also something of a tradition for the company, with its famously — or infamously — liberal culture. (That culture isn’t just evident on holidays.)
Why should labor relations be any different?
The company and the union have been negotiating since February 2024 over a “foundational framework” for a collective bargaining agreement, according to ABC.
Starbucks spokeswoman Jaci Anderson told ABC in a statement that the “Red Cup Day” strike was an unnecessary union action.
“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 statement said, according to ABC.
“When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk.”
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