On Red Cup Day, Starbucks workers vote to strike in 45 cities

Starbucks workers went on strike at 65 stores in dozens of cities on Thursday to protest a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the organization.

The employee strike was meant to interrupt Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, one of the retail chain’s busiest days of the year. According to the Associated Press, the company has given away free reusable cups on the day to consumers who purchase a holiday beverage. 

As of noon Thursday on the East Coast, Starbucks said it was on track to meet or exceed its sales expectations for the day at its company-owned stores.

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Striking workers held demonstrations because Starbucks so far hasn’t reached a contract agreement with the union. The AP reported that Starbucks employees voted to unionize in 2021.

Starbucks stores affected by Red Cup Day strike

Dig deeper:

Starbucks Workers United, the union organizing Starbucks baristas, told the Associated Press that stores in 45 cities would be impacted, including in these places: 

• New York
• Philadelphia
• Minneapolis
• San Diego
• St. Louis
• Dallas
• Columbus, Ohio
• Seattle

Organizers told the AP that a date for the strike to end has not been announced, and additional store locations are prepared to participate if Starbucks doesn't reach a contract agreement with the union.

Starbucks has 10,000 company-owned stores in the U.S., and 7,000 licensed locations in places like grocery stores and airports.

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The Associated Press reported that roughly 550 company-owned Starbucks stores in the nation are currently unionized. More have voted to unionize, but Starbucks closed 59 unionized stores in September as part of a reorganization initiative.

Why are Starbucks employees holding a strike?

Local perspective:

Starbucks employees are seeking better pay and hours and improved staffing in stores. They shared with the Associated Press that many employees aren't receiving the required 20 hours per week they need before Starbucks' benefits start. 

According to the AP, the union also wants Starbucks to resolve unfair labor charges filed by employees, who allege the organization has fired baristas in retaliation for unionizing and has failed to bargain over changes in policy that employees are required to implement.

Starbucks pay and benefits 

The other side:

Starbucks told the Associated Press that it offers the best wage and benefits in retail, worth an average of $30 an hour. 

Some of the organization’s benefits include up to 18 weeks of paid family leave and 100% tuition coverage for a four-year college degree. In a letter to employees last week obtained by the AP, Starbucks’ Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly said the union walked away from the bargaining table in the spring.