Starbucks Workers Launch Strike in Over 40 US Cities
More than 1,000 Starbucks workers initiated a strike on November 13, 2025, impacting approximately 65 stores across over 40 US cities. This strike, classified as an unfair labor practice (ULP) action by Starbucks Workers United, coincided with Starbucks' red cup day promotion. The union authorized an open-ended ULP strike after 92% of members voted in favor, following stalled negotiations when the union rejected Starbucks' economic offer.
Since 2021, over 650 Starbucks locations have unionized, with the union filing hundreds of ULP charges against the company. The striking workers are actively promoting a 'no contract, no coffee' campaign, urging customers to refrain from purchasing Starbucks products during the strike.
Starbucks stated that the vast majority of its stores would remain unaffected. The company noted that the union represents about 4% of its partners and expressed readiness to resume talks once the union ends the strike. This labor unrest comes amid Starbucks' recent plans announced in September to close more than 100 cafes in North America and lay off about 900 corporate staff. For the upcoming holiday season, Starbucks operates over 10,000 company-operated and nearly 7,000 licensed locations.
