Prolonged Union Strike at Starbucks Encompasses Thousands of Baristas Across US
About 2,500 Starbucks baristas are currently on strike across 85 cities and 120 stores in the United States. The union estimates that 11,000 baristas are represented at more than 550 stores, though Starbucks claims the disruption impacts less than 1% of its 17,000 US locations. The strike is the result of years of organizing that began with the first union vote in Buffalo in December 2021. Since then, the union reports winning over 650 elections and losing about 120, with 59 unionized stores subsequently closed.
Key moments in the strike include a walkout on Red Cup Day on November 13, an expansion on November 28 to around 2,500 workers across 120 stores, a blockade of a major distribution center in York, Pennsylvania, and a rally outside Starbucks' Newport Beach corporate office on November 24. Negotiations have stalled under CEO Brian Niccol following leadership changes from former CEO Schultz. While a 2024 bargaining framework was agreed upon, a first contract for unionized baristas remains unresolved, even though it normally takes about 15 months to secure such agreements nationwide. At Starbucks, nearly 48 months have passed since the initial Buffalo vote, highlighting a prolonged bargaining period.
Starbucks Workers United has filed hundreds of unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. Several union leaders were fired, allegedly for their organizing activities, though Starbucks denies wrongdoing and notes some have been reinstated. Political support for the union has grown, with over 100 members of Congress urging negotiations. Additionally, New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson have joined picket lines, and Senator Bernie Sanders has engaged with the strikers.
Starbucks reports that 99% of its US locations remain open with record holiday sales, and emphasizes that hourly partners earn an average of around $30 per hour plus benefits. The company argues the disruption is limited and operations continue without major setbacks. Despite this, the union has stated its intention to escalate the strike, which is now the longest and largest in the company's history, if concessions are not secured.
