Introduction to the Strike
Starbucks’ union members have voted to strike at the company’s U.S. stores next week unless it finalizes a contract agreement, the union said Wednesday.
The strike would begin on Nov. 13, which is the day Starbucks plans to distribute free, reusable red cups. Red Cup Day, a Starbucks tradition since 2018, is typically one of the company’s busiest days of the year.
Details of the Strike
Starbucks Workers United, the union organizing baristas, didn’t say how many stores would be impacted. But it said workers in at least 25 cities planned to strike and more locations could be added if the union doesn’t see “substantial progress” toward finalizing a contract.
Around 550 of Starbucks’ 10,000 company-operated U.S. stores are currently unionized. More stores have voted to unionize since 2021, but Starbucks closed 59 unionized stores in September as part of a larger restructuring.
Background on the Union and Company Negotiations
The union and the company have yet to agree to a labor contract. In December 2023, Starbucks vowed to finalize an agreement by the end of 2024. But the company ousted Laxman Narasimhan, the CEO who made that promise, last fall. The union said progress has stalled under Brian Niccol, the company’s new chairman and CEO.
Starbucks said Wednesday that it’s disappointed the union plans to strike instead of returning to the bargaining table.
Company Response and Proposals
“Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners,” Starbucks spokeswoman Jaci Anderson said Wednesday.
In a letter to Starbucks employees released Wednesday, Starbucks’ Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly said the union has proposed a 65% pay increase immediately and a 77% increase over three years, with additional payments for things like weekends or days when Starbucks runs promotions. Kelly also said some proposals would significantly alter Starbucks’ operations, such as giving workers the ability to shut down mobile ordering if a store has more than five orders in the queue.
“These aren’t serious, evidence-based proposals," Kelly said.
Union Demands and Counterpoints
The union said Starbucks is unfairly lumping together various economic proposals from the union to arrive at those pay raise figures.
Unionized baristas also said they don’t always get the 20 hours per week they need to be eligible for Starbucks’ benefits. They point to Starbucks’ generous pay package for Niccol, which saw him make $95.8 million in 2024. The package included $75 million in equity to make up for what he forfeited by his abrupt departure from Chipotle, his previous employer.
“Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail. Right now, it’s only the best job in retail for Brian Niccol,” said Jasmine Leli, a three-year Starbucks barista and strike captain from Buffalo, New York. Leli said starting pay for baristas in most states is $15.25 per hour.
Previous Labor Actions and Impact
The strike would echo previous labor actions against the company. In 2023, thousands of Starbucks workers at more than 200 stores walked off the job on Red Cup Day. Last year, a five-day strike ahead of Christmas closed 59 U.S. stores.
In her letter, Kelly emphasized that most company-owned stores as well as 7,000 licensed locations in places like airports will remain open if there is a strike.
Seasonal beverages and bakery products will be available in Starbucks coffeehouses on Nov. 6.
The 2025 Starbucks holiday cups feature traditional winter patterns.
Market Reaction
Starbucks shares rose nearly 4% in Wednesday trading.
Conclusion
The potential strike by Starbucks union workers next week highlights the ongoing labor disputes between the company and its employees. With the union demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions, and the company insisting that it already offers a competitive package, the situation remains unresolved. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the company, its employees, and its customers.
FAQs
Q: When is the potential strike scheduled to take place?
A: The strike is scheduled to begin on November 13, which is also Red Cup Day.
Q: How many stores are expected to be impacted by the strike?
A: The union has not specified the exact number of stores, but workers in at least 25 cities are planning to strike.
Q: What are the main demands of the union?
A: The union is demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions, including a 65% pay increase immediately and a 77% increase over three years.
Q: How has the company responded to the union’s demands?
A: The company has expressed disappointment that the union is planning to strike instead of returning to the bargaining table and has characterized the union’s proposals as "not serious, evidence-based proposals."
Q: What will happen to Starbucks stores if the strike takes place?
A: Most company-owned stores and 7,000 licensed locations in places like airports will remain open, but some stores may be closed or operate with reduced hours.
