Another wave of “Red Cup Rebellion” strikes has hit Starbucks stores across the United States, as unionised baristas walked out on Thursday, Nov. 13, coinciding with the company’s annual Red Cup Day — one of its biggest traffic-driving promotional events.
Starbucks Workers United, which represents a portion of the company’s workforce, had warned earlier this month that it would launch a strike if no progress was made on contract negotiations. Talks between Starbucks and the union began in February 2024 and remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other for delays.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the “overwhelming majority” of stores remain open, but certain locations across 41 cities are affected. The union has not shared exact store addresses, though rallies are scheduled from 4–5 p.m. local time at participating outlets.
Cities where Starbucks Red Cup Day strikes are taking place
California
Anaheim
Long Beach
San Diego
Santa Clarita
Santa Cruz
Scotts Valley
Seal Beach
Soquel
Colorado
Colorado Springs
Lafayette
Illinois
Des Plaines
Evanston
Geneva
Georgia
Alpharetta
Roswell
Minnesota
Chanhassen
Minneapolis
Missouri
Saint Louis
New York
Brooklyn
New York
Ohio
Columbus
Lewis Center
Reynoldsburg
Upper Arlington
Worthington
Oregon
Beaverton
Damascus
Eugene
Gresham
Portland
Pennsylvania
Dickson City
Lancaster
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Texas
Dallas
Denton
Farmers Branch
Virginia
Richmond
Mechanicsville
Washington
Redmond
Seattle
A rally map is available on the union’s mobilisation site, nocontractnocoffee.org.
How long will the Starbucks strikes last?
The strike is open-ended, the union confirmed.
Michelle Eisen, spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United, said baristas are prepared to extend the walkout until the company presents what they consider a fair contract.
According to the union, workers across more than 550 unionised stores are ready to escalate the strike if needed.
Why Starbucks employees are striking
The union’s primary demands include:
• Better hours and scheduling stability
• Higher take-home pay
• Resolution of alleged unfair labor practices
Eisen said workers are frustrated after months of stalled negotiations. Starbucks, meanwhile, said it already provides “the best job in retail” and criticised the strike, noting that Workers United represents “around 4%” of its employees.
Background: Starbucks and unionisation
• The first Starbucks store to unionise was in Buffalo, New York, in December 2021.
• By November 2023, more than 200 stores participated in the first “Red Cup Rebellion.”
• By late 2024, over 500 Starbucks stores across the country had unionised.
Contract talks formally began in April 2024 but have since remained unresolved.
