Starbucks Union Strike Grows Across US Amidst Prolonged Bargaining Impasse
About 2,500 Starbucks workers are currently on strike across 120 stores in 85 cities, representing a union membership of around 11,000 baristas at more than 550 stores. Despite the expanding strike, Starbucks states that the disruption affects less than 1% of its US locations.
The strike originated from a 2021 Buffalo, New York store vote to unionize, which was the first in the US and sparked a nationwide wave of union elections at Starbucks outlets. Since then, the company has experienced multiple leadership changes, including Kevin Johnson stepping down, the return of Howard Schultz, and the replacement of Laxman Narasimhan by Brian Niccol, with continued resistance to the union under current leadership.
In 2024, Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United agreed on a framework for future bargaining, and in 2022 non-union workers received similar benefits. However, a first union contract has yet to be finalized, with bargaining currently stalled under Niccol.
The strike intensified in November 2025, following Red Cup Day actions on November 13, expanding from previously 2,000 workers striking in 65 cities and 95 stores to 2,500 workers across 120 stores. This escalation includes a blockade of a Starbucks distribution center in York, Pennsylvania.
Starbucks Workers United has filed hundreds of unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, and dozens of union leaders have been fired, although Starbucks denies these claims and some leaders have been reinstated.
Political and public support for the union is growing, with over 100 members of Congress pressing Starbucks to return to negotiations. Mayors of New York and Seattle, among other officials, have joined picket lines and issued public statements supporting the workers.
The union warns that if concessions are not reached soon, the strike could become the longest and largest industrial action in Starbucks history.
