Denver, CO – On February 21, Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) organized a Strike Day of Action at the unionized Starbucks store on 16th Street in Denver, Colorado, to rally workers and supporters to demand the company stop stonewalling contract negotiations and bargain a decent contract with their unionized workers.

“I got this job for the benefits, which are being eroded away. I love this job enough to want to make it better for myself and all my coworkers,” said a striking Starbucks barista.

SBWU and Starbucks have been in negotiations for the first Starbucks contract since 2021, with Starbucks CEO Bryan Nichols facing mounting pressure from the striking workers. Starbucks workers started the Red Cup Rebellion strike on November 13, 2025, demanding livable wages, full staffing with reasonable hours, and transgender inclusive healthcare. The strike has expanded to over 190 stores across over 130 cities, making it the largest and longest work stoppage in Starbucks history.

“We want to make it clear to Starbucks and their customers that we want the company to come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract that works for both parties,” said Lucille Wayne, Starbucks barista and SBWU strike captain. “We've been unionized for four years. Starbucks has been stonewalling us this entire time. Workers are living paycheck to paycheck, we're getting scheduled less hours and losing our healthcare.”

Since unionization efforts began in December 2021 Starbucks has failed to meet workers' demands and has amassed over 1000 Unfair Labor Practice charges for union-busting, retaliatory firings, surveillance, and failure to bargain in good faith.

“There's been no progress in bargaining since late 2024. Starbucks doesn't want to give in to our very reasonable demands,” said Naomi Wilson, Starbucks barista and event organizer.

Supporters from the community, along with organizers from Teamsters for a Democratic Union and Democratic Socialists of America came to support the picket line. SBWU organizers and event attendees chanted “What's disgusting? Union busting! What's outrageous, Starbucks wages” and “No contract, no coffee” to dozens of community members in attendance and hundreds of passersby, most of whom did not cross the picket line.

The strike is set to end on February 24, with workers scheduled to return to work the next day. Despite the end of the strike, workers expressed that they will continue organizing, canvassing other Starbucks stores to gain more support for the union, and to sign up additional workers to join SBWU.

“I hope to see more stores get organized. We've been canvassing to help other stores unionize. If you're interested in unionizing go to SBWorkersUnited.org”, said Naomi Wilson as the event came to a close.

#DenverCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

Oviedo, FL – Workers from the Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) at the Oviedo Starbucks store on Mitchell-Hammock Road joined the nationwide Red Cup Rebellion strike on December 11, taking to the picket line to fight for a decent contract from the multi-billion dollar corporation.

Starbucks has stalled negotiations with SBWU, refusing to meet any economic demands of the workers and failing to address the issues of staffing, scheduling and unfair labor practices that are rampant in stores. Starbucks workers in Oviedo have long dealt with these issues, all while facing the rising cost of living in central Florida.

On the morning of Friday, December 19, the strike was still going strong and the energy was high on the sidewalk outside of the store, where about 15 workers and allies gathered for a picket and march. Slogans like “Understaffing, underpaid, that’s how your coffee’s made!” and “What’s outrageous? Starbucks wages!” were heard from the store and the drive-thru.

Since the strike began, managers have brought in scabs to keep the store operating for limited hours, closing every day at noon. Members of the union informed drivers entering the parking lot about the strike, successfully redirecting several people away from the store and towards other local coffee shops.

“We’ve had a lot of support from the community,” said Clay Blastic, one of the strike captains for the Oviedo store. “We have people coming by and dropping off bagels and donuts and coffee for us. We were able to talk to people and convince them not to come through and respect our picket line.”

Niko Orgolan, a member of SBWU, reflected on how union organizers should navigate ignorant or defeatist ideas towards the union. “When I approach these conversations, I break it down in terms of goals, because it’s no secret that everyone is struggling. I think that anger is generally directed in the wrong direction – If your solution is ‘get another job,’ or ‘it's not working,’ what do you suggest? Because in getting another job, the solution you're opting for is that someone always has to suffer.”

Blastic highlighted the importance of worker solidarity, stating, “A rising tide lifts all boats, but if we all stand together, we’re able to ask for more because we’re the ones that are doing the work. We’re the ones that are pulling the shots. It only makes sense that we have a greater say in our workplace.”

It is evident that the workers at the Oviedo Starbucks have a strong union that is ready to carry on the fight for a better workplace alongside hundreds of unionized stores across the country. If you would like to support the striking workers, join the boycott of Starbucks and donate to the Oviedo Starbucks Strike Fund.

#OviedoFL #FL #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU

Clearwater, FL – Starbucks baristas and their supporters dug in outside the Starbucks location in downtown Clearwater as part of the nationwide “Red Cup Rebellion” starting on Thursday, December 11. Forming a picket, they chanted pro-union slogans such as “No contract, no coffee” and “Understaffing, lousy pay, that is how your coffee’s made,” they shut down the store for the duration of the strike.

Passing commuters, in addition to those who approached learning they would not be able to get a cup of coffee in the store, were supportive of the strikers’ demands.

The Red Cup Rebellion is part of a campaign by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) to win a contract at unionized Starbucks stores across the United States. While hundreds of stores have been organized since 2021, Starbucks is refusing to budge. Starbucks, like many in the service and fast food industry, benefits greatly from its non-union workforce, which is under conditions that are entirely at the whims of management.

“We need a living wage and better hours, we can’t live off of four, four hour shifts a week in Florida,” said Jay Ciardiello, one of the baristas holding the picket down.

The Clearwater strike will extend at least through Wednesday, December 17. Hundreds of other Starbucks stores are being struck across the busy holiday season in December in order to put pressure on Starbucks and especially Starbuck’s CEO Bryan Niccol.

#ClearwaterFL #FL #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

River Ridge, LA – On December 11, Starbucks workers at the unionized store on River Ridge participated in the nationwide “Red Cup Rebellion” strike. This open-ended strike has expanded to over 180 stores across 130 cities, making it the longest work stoppage in Starbucks history.

The River Ridge Starbucks has been unionized since May of 2024. It is the only store in their district that is unionized and is an excellent example of strong rank-and-file militancy. The store also struck in 2024 during the national “Strikemas.” Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) and the company have been in negotiations for the first Starbucks contract since 2021.

“The company is completely stalling,” stated Rocky Palacios, a Starbucks barista and member of her store’s bargaining committee. “They keep telling us that what we have is good enough, and won’t come to the table with anything else,” said Palacios.

This year, it was discovered that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccols has the largest pay discrepancy between CEO and workers across all major companies. “Brian Niccols makes 6666 times more than the average Starbucks barista but isn’t even willing to give us a $1 raise,” said Palacios.

“We’re just looking for more hours, better take-home pay, and fair staffing,” said Laine Arendt. Arendt is a strong leader in the River Ridge store and recently spoke on Labor Note’s “Troublemakers School” panel. “We’re demanding that Starbucks come back to the table and bargain in good faith. Enough is enough, we will keep striking until we get our contract!” said Arendt.

The baristas were joined on the picket line by numerous community members. While they marched, they yelled “No contract, no coffee!” and “No workers, no Starbucks!” as cars drove by and honked in support.

Nick Heard, a former SBWU barista and his store’s bargaining delegate, joined the River Ridge baristas out on the picket line. Heard worked at one of three unionized stores in New Orleans. “Two months ago, we were one of three stores in the city to be shut down as they closed over 500 stores across the country. Two of the stores closed were unionized,” stated Heard. This follows a similar trend across the country in a blatant union-busting attack. This attack was a catalyst for the “Red Cup Rebellion” strike.

“We were only given two days of notice before we were out of a job,” said Heard. “Because I was a leader in the union at my store, I was denied a transfer to a different store and had my application rejected at another.”

Despite not working on the shop floor anymore, Heard has continued to show solidarity among union baristas. This sense of worker solidarity was seen all across the picket line. As SBWU barista Robin Lobel put it, “We’re fighting for a better workplace for everyone. If you have a job, we’re fighting for you too.”

The River Ridge Starbucks has won a lot through the power of their union. “We marched on the boss and got her to quit, and successfully got a barista’s job back after she was unfairly fired,” said Arendt. “This shows you the power of organizing.”

After picketing all morning, the baristas secured a victory by forcing the store to close at noon. Celebratory baristas chanted “When we fight, we win!”

#RiverRidgeLA #LA #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU

San Jose, CA – Since the start of December, the Starbucks Workers’ Union (SBWU) has been on a national strike. In what has been dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” the aim of the workers has been to disrupt the Starbucks corporation during one of its traditionally most busy times, the holiday season.

In San Jose, the SBWU has voted to join the strike. Devasya Kumar, a barista and strike captain of the Capitol Square Mall Starbucks location, shared his store’s experience in participating in the strike. He captains the evening picket line. His store has shut down completely.

Kumar explained, “Our first and foremost reason for going on strike nationally is that we’re on an unfair labor practices strike. The company has, since our first union store up in Buffalo, had hundreds of labor violations. To this day most of them have not been corrected or rectified whatsoever. The baristas who suffered under this straight up illegal oppression, they have not seen justice.”

The signs held up by the picketers’ included slogans such as “No contract, no Starbucks!” and “Baristas on strike!”

Kumar stated, “We reached our boiling point after years and years of stalling negotiations and Starbucks just refusing to show up at the table and right their wrongs. We reached the boiling point.” He also discussed the eagerness of his fellow workers going on strike in spite of their relative lack of experience.

“At the moment, we are the only store in San Jose is striking. It is quite a burden for all of us. But, if we're not going to do it, who else is going to do it for us?” Kumar continued, “The baristas here at Capitol Square Mall are willing to face that uncertainty no matter what, and they're willing to fight for a good contract.”

The SBWU nationally has been struggling for a better contract for years now, and with Starbucks CEO Bryan Nichols facing mounting pressure from both the striking workers and his own shareholders, many of the strikers are hopeful for a breakthrough in negotiations.

“The more you ignore a union,” Kumar explained, “the more it's going to strike later on and it's just going to keep happening and happening.”

When asked if he had any calls to action as to ways people outside of the SBWU could support baristas in their fight for a fair contract, Kumar said, “In the least, just don't buy Starbucks from anywhere, even Target, don't engage with the company. Support your workers and just remember, you know, even if you're not in the service industry or the fast food industry, a strong, united, unionized working class benefits everyone, not just the fast food industry, not just baristas.”

Kumar concluded, “The stronger the working class in one area, the stronger it will become in another. It will ripple, it will spread. So just know that we are out here and we are not only fighting for our interest, but also yours.”

The Red Cup Rebellion is expected to continue through the duration of December, and much of the union is intent on mounting further strike actions until Bryan Nichols and Starbucks management is willing to make concessions.

#SanJoseCA #CA #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

Palm Springs, FL – Starbucks workers in Palm Springs are entering the fourth day of a powerful strike that has already forced multiple store closures and exposed the company’s reliance on overworked, understaffed non-union labor.

The strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), has seen strong participation from the vast majority of workers at the store, many of whom are balancing full-time school and second jobs but remain committed to standing up to corporate greed.

The action began at 7 a.m. on December 4, when workers walked off the job and established a picket line at the store’s entrance while supporters leafleted the drive-thru. Scab labor was unable to keep up with the morning rush, leading Starbucks management to shut down the store early. Throughout the day, striking workers reaffirmed their unity, even confronting scabbing coworkers and urging them to stand with the union. At least one has since committed to joining SBWU.

Day two brought another early store closure as striking workers held the line until 6 p.m. Supporters launched a strike fund to support the workers, raising hundreds of dollars within the first 24 hours. Flyers and outreach have extended into the broader community, with plans underway to leaflet additional Starbucks locations and build toward a rally on December 13 at 2 p.m.

On day three, worker turnout remained exceptionally strong, with over a dozen striking workers arriving between 7 and 9 a.m. Their determination contrasts sharply with Starbucks management’s inability to operate the store without them. Around 11 a.m., one of the scabs walked off the job, calling conditions “unbearable.” Starbucks again closed early.

“Workers are proving every day that this store runs because of them—not because of corporate or overpaid managers,” a union supporter said. “The solidarity on the picket line show exactly why Starbucks workers across the country are rising up.”

SBWU organizers plan to continue daily pickets, expand outreach to other stores in the region, and build broader community support ahead of next weekend’s rally. The workers have vowed to maintain their action until Starbucks bargains in good faith and addresses the ongoing unfair labor practices.

#PalmSpringsFL #FL #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

Colorado Springs, CO – On November 13, workers from the Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) rallied with their allies at a unionized Starbucks store in Colorado Springs to begin their “Red Cup Rebellion, ” strike against unfair labor practice. SBWU called this strike after Starbucks refused to finalize a union contract earlier in the year that would address worker demands for higher pay, better staffing, and address hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

Around 90 people picketed in front of the drive-through window of the Starbucks store holding picket signs and shouting phrases like “What’s disgusting? Union busting!” and “What’s appalling? Bosses stalling!” Among them were allies from both the general community as well as several organizations, such as the Colorado Springs Labor Council, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Democratic Socialists of America, and Teamsters for a Democratic Union.

Before the picket, members from SBWU spoke in front of the crowd, railing against Starbucks’ anti-worker practices and highlighting the importance of worker solidarity.

“The bosses are scared because they realize we have the control and they don’t want us to know that,” said Raven Sage, SBWU strike captain. “These are the same bosses that say we don’t work hard enough, and yet they’ve never worn a green apron,” Sage continued, as she spoke about the CEO Brian Niccol, who had recently told corporate employees to “work harder” in an internal message. Sage concluded with a call to action to unite and strike, stating, “I think he’s right! I think we need to work harder to unite and remind him that we need leaders, not bosses!”

SBWU member and store employee Olivia Fisk spoke on Starbucks’ efforts to blame SBWU for customer frustration, saying “they want the public to think we’re the problem for standing up for ourselves, but we’re not the problem; we’re the reason Starbucks runs at all.” Fisk went on to explain the importance of worker unity, saying “when we stand together we show Starbucks and every other company watching that workers aren’t disposable and we won’t be silent.”

Allies of SBWU also stepped up to the mic to declare support of the strike and worker power.

“I’m out here because the only way we fight is through the power of solidarity,” said Keegan Estrella, a Teamsters member. Estrella noted, “every single brick on this building, every bit of concrete on the ground – it was made by people power.” Estrella declared Teamsters’ support for the strike, stating “It’s not easy to be out here, so it’s important for us to keep showing and keep backing them, and the Teamsters are going to be doing just that.” As more people spoke, a Teamster UPS driver passed by and honked in support.

Kat Draken, FRSO member, pointed out how much is being taken from the workers, noting that “Last year, Starbucks made $37 billion; of that, CEO Brian Niccol took home $39 million – as people said, 6666 times as much as the average worker.” Draken pointed out that all of this money is made “off the hard work of Starbucks workers.” Draken called Starbucks’ claim that it can’t pay workers a living wage “bullshit,” noting that “Starbucks is one of the most valuable restaurant brands in the United States. It makes $100,000 in [annual] revenue per worker.” Draken called for action and worker solidarity, declaring “Workers are being robbed, and it’s time to fight back!”

After speeches, the crowd began to picket the store for an hour before the rally concluded. SBWU workers plan to picket until Starbucks comes to the table to negotiate the contract and address their unfair labor practice. Until then, SBWU strike captains ask for people not to cross the picket line. Strike captains also invite the public to come out and support them on the picket line or contribute financially to the general SBWU fund or any local SBWU funds.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

Dallas, TX – On November 13, Starbucks workers who are represented by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), began and open-ended strike over unfair labor practices they say that Starbucks has committed. The SBWU workers say that Starbucks has been unwilling to bargain in good faith to reach a first contract with the newly formed union.

The strike is nationwide, and the timing coincided with Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day,” which the company uses as the launch of its holiday season. In response, the union has launched what it is calling a Red Cup Rebellion, an open-ended strike of over 1000 baristas demanding better staffing, higher pay and resolution for hundreds of unfair labor practice charges. The strike began with 65 stores on November 13, but the union says if needed it could extend the strike to over 550 stores across the country.

In Dallas, SBWU baristas and allies launched picket lines across the DFW Metro Plex. At a Starbucks location in Valley View, Farmers Branch, SBWU workers joined the strike on Thursday, and continued pickets on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 15. The picket was attended by various groups including Teamsters from Local 767, members of the Young Active Labor Leaders, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Rayne Mele is a Starbucks worker and had this to say, “Our strike is definitely making an impact. Every day we come up here and meet early up in the morning, we chant we bring people's attention to our strike, we have more people joining our picket line. We have people getting out of the Starbucks drive through line we're picketing at. We're not numbers on a screen we are actual people coming here and making a difference”. 

As the day closed out store workers and supporters could be heard loudly chanting. Some of their chants included “No contract, no coffee,” “No workers, no Starbucks, and “2, 4, 6, 8! Starbucks come negotiate! 3, 5, 7, 9! Don’t cross that picket line.”

Starbucks Workers United says that they intend to continue striking until Starbucks brings an offer to the table that they can accept for a first union contract.

#DallasTX #TX #Labor #SBWU #Starbucks #Strike

Brooklyn, NY – On November 13, the national Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) launched an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike targeting Starbucks for its unwillingness to reach a contract with the union.

This strike coincided with Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day,” which the company uses as the launch of its holiday season. In response, the union has launched its Red Cup Rebellion, an open-ended strike of over 1000 baristas demanding better staffing, higher pay and resolution for hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

In New York City, SBWU baristas and allies launched a picket line outside of the Lafayette Avenue Starbucks, a union store in Brooklyn. They chanted, “No contract, no coffee,” “Don’t cross that picket line” and “Who makes the coffee? We make the coffee!” Many customers were turned away by the picket line, which led to cheers; though there were a couple of groups that crossed and were shamed. The store was staffed by managers from across the district at the time of the picket and rally.

As the sun set, the group of over 150 union workers, community members and elected officials rallied and listened to speeches offering solidarity and explaining the workers' demands. An organizer with the union started the rally by explaining, “Today the ULP strikes start across the country to show Starbucks we are serious!”

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers said, “We won’t be given anything without a fight!”

Weingarten continued, “It cannot just be the barista’s Red Cup Rebellion; it must be all of our Red Cup Rebellion!”

Chi Ossé, a member of the New York City Council, gave words of solidarity with the union’s fight against Starbucks’ new CEO Brian Niccol, joking that the billion dollar company is trying to “Niccol and dime” the workers.

After speeches, the group continued to picket the store, giving interviews to local media, and talking with union representatives. Local unions showing solidarity included the UFT, Teamsters Local 804, Laborers Local 79 and 32BJ SEIU, among others.

#BrooklynNY #NY #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU

Colorado Springs, CO – On October 29, organizers with Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) gathered at a unionized Starbucks store in Colorado Springs to hold a practice picket in preparation to strike. Members of the Colorado Springs Labor Council, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Democratic Socialists of America joined the practice picket.

At the practice picket, labor organizers shared speeches that called for a living wage for Starbucks workers. Caleb Cobb, a Teamster and member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke, saying “We’ve seen for at least the last three years Starbucks continue to union bust and destroy the contract campaigns across the nation. Workers here are finally making a stand and saying ‘we won’t turn around!’”

“This is a greedy corporation led by a greedy CEO, and we’re going to be standing in solidarity with the workers as they negotiate this contract,” said Michael Wilkins, staff organizer for SBWU in Colorado. “We’re out here to support the workers. The workers deserve fair pay, they deserve more control over their hours, and they deserve better healthcare.”

Lauren Allen, a former employee who helped form the organizing committee at the store being picketed, shared a desire to “continue to support [Starbucks workers] even though I don’t work here anymore. It’s really important for me to show up to support, keep the morale up, and let them know that I’m still with them in this fight for a contract.”

A picket line was formed in front of the store, with multiple megaphones used so that chants could be heard inside. The picket line was made up of more than 20 attendees. Chants included “No contract, no coffee,” “Respect our rights, or expect our strikes,” and “What’s outrageous? Starbuck’s wages! What’s disgusting? Union busting!”

Since this was a practice picket, the store was operating normally. However, there is currently a national vote among SBWU for a strike authorization that appears likely to succeed. When it does, workers in Colorado Springs will be ready to join the national strike.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike #Feature

River Ridge, LA – On October 4, 20 people, including Starbucks baristas and their supporters, picketed outside of their store demanding that Starbucks accept their union contract. Starbucks recently closed three stores in the New Orleans area, two union and one non-union shop.

Chants of “No contract, no coffee!” and “What’s outrageous? Starbucks wages!” kept the crowd energized and caught the attention of passersby who stopped to ask about the demonstration.

Baristas leading the practice picket say they think it is necessary to keep up their activity despite retaliation on union stores. “We’re doing a practice picket to show everyone that we mean business,” said Robin Dileo, a barista and Starbucks Workers United (SWU) organizer. “It’s really the first step in an escalation.”

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol released a statement on September 25 announcing the closure of about 1% of all North American locations. This included 59 unionized locations, about 10% of all union stores.

“I’ve been laid off from my job by corporate officials who nobody elected,” stated Nick Heard, a former barista from the now shuttered Maple Street shop, the first to unionize in Louisiana. “They can afford to spend millions on store shutdowns and on the CEO’s salary but can’t afford to pay us a decent wage.”

Among the crowd of supporters were union members from United Teachers of New Orleans, Tulane Workers United, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 270.

Baristas ended the practice picket with a call to action, asking attendees to support an upcoming national contract push around “Red Cup Season.” Starbucks’ infamous holiday marketing season means greatly increased workload for baristas while the company rakes in profit. SWU sees this season as a strategic pressure point to flex the muscle of organized labor.

#RiverRidgeLA #LA #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU

New Orleans, LA – On Christmas Eve, Starbucks Workers United called for an escalation of their strike to include over 300 stores across the country. The strike started on December 20. It responded to Starbucks’ refusal to negotiate economic benefits in good faith and its failing to bring any offers to the table. More stores walked out over the five days leading to Christmas.

In New Orleans, the location on Jefferson highway successfully unionized in the middle of 2023 and has been waiting on the completion of the contract ever since. There was not a scab in sight for the five hours that workers picketed the store. The location was completely closed for the Christmas Eve rush.

The workers complained about their old manager and his slimy union-busting tactics. Many of the employees have worked at Starbucks for over a year, and their tight bond was what kept the union together through corporate’s anti-union campaign. The election was tight, with an eight to five vote. But since then, the union has brought a real mindset of camaraderie which has left the supermajority of the store solidly pro-union.

A leader of the union effort said that she was unsurprised corporate was unwilling to yield on the non-economic concerns during the bargaining process, stating, “The managers displayed clear favoritism when promotions were on the table. They dangled the carrot of promotion to try and keep us in line saying, ‘If you do x, y, and z you could get a promotion.’”

Partners at the store also complained about staffing issues. Another union leader, complained, “We’ve gone from being one of the low-volume stores to the second most busy store in the district, but staffing has not changed at all to reflect that.”

Fortunately, despite being in a very suburban area, many of the regular customers were very supportive of the workers on strike, with one saying, “I can’t function without my coffee in the morning, but I will never cross a picket line so home brew it is for today!” Several customers mentioned their own union ties, and rarely would a work truck or big rig roll by without honking. One customer even asked for several of the fliers to pass to their friends.

One worker commented how Starbucks corporate is probably waiting for a friendlier Trump presidency to continue negotiations on the contract. But the organized population will be there every step of the way to make sure that the workers around the country recognize an attack on one as an attack on all.

A sign from the line read, “The only thing brewing today is solidarity!”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Labor #SBWU #Starbucks #Strike

On Friday December 20, Starbucks Workers United began striking because of Starbucks’ “failure to bring viable economic proposals to the bargaining table and to resolve hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges,”, according to a statement released by the union, December 19.

“Starbucks has a history of union busting and is trying to silence our union, so we are fighting for protected actions that are causing people to get fired or written up. We just got a 15-cent raise and our new CEO Brian Niccol is making $57,000 an hour,” explained Sparks.

Sparks’ store is one of over 300 who joined in the strike over the week. “We have definitely made an impact here – on the first day they were not able to open, and on the second day they only had the drive through open, so we’re definitely knocking out their channels.” During the second day 110, cars drove up to the drive through and 76 of them were turned away.

Asked how the public could support the strike, Sparks said, “If you see a picket line, don’t cross it. I know it’s really hard to go without your coffee in the morning, but these are people’s livelihoods, and on top of that, the unions in general need support. We are all four days of sick time away from not being able to pay rent.” Across the duration of the strike, people from the wider community dropped off water and food, and even joined the picket line.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks

San Jose, CA – On December 24, Starbucks workers took to the picket line at Capitol Square Mall, one of the busiest locations in San Jose. They joined more than 5000-plus workers across the country as part of a five-day Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike.

The strike comes after more than nine months of bargaining between Starbucks Workers United, the union representing the interests and will of the baristas and shift leads at unionized locations, and Starbucks Corporation.

Starbucks Corporation promised its workers in February of 2024 that it would move forward with good faith bargaining and follow through with resolving its violations of labor law against its unionizing workers. This promise of good faith bargaining fell through as Starbucks Corporation offered a meager 1.5% raise, a raise which the workers of SBWU called “laughable” and “insulting.” Meanwhile, the new CEO of the company, Brian Niccol, received a $133 million compensation package, makes $53,000 every hour. He has a private jet paid for by “the company,” but actually the jet is paid by the company’s profit off the labor of the rank-and-file workers of Starbucks.

Chants included “2-4-6-8! Starbucks come negotiate! 3-5-7-9! Don’t cross the picket line!” and “Who has the power? We’ve got the power! What kind of power? Worker power!” as well as “What do we want? A contract! When do we want it? Now!” and “If we don't get it? Shut it down!”

“He is paid $56,000 an hour, we don't make that in a year. Starbucks in the same breath claims they just do not have the money to give us ample raises,” said Devasya Kumar, who is a barista at the striking location at Capitol Square Mall, referring to Niccol, echoing the common sentiment across the striking workforce of unionized baristas.

December 24 was the last day of the strike. With the strike occurring before and on Christmas Eve, the workers of unionized locations intend to put considerable financial pressure on the company to resolve its unfair labor practices and resume bargaining in good faith. “We want answers, and striking is our last resort,” said Kumar.

#SanJoseCA #CA #Labor #SBWU #Starbucks #Strike

Tampa, FL – On Christmas Eve, about 15 current and former Starbucks workers and their supporters picketed the Starbucks store on the corner of N Dale Mabry Highway and Linebaugh Avenue. Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) started an unfair labor practice strike on December 20 at a few locations across the country, building to a strike at all unionized stores. Tampa’s unionized store joined the picket line on day four.

“Starbucks has yet to remedy several hundreds of unfair labor practices, and then they also came with a very poor economic package in bargaining, so they started bad faith bargaining with us,” said Blake Smallen, a Starbucks worker and member of Starbucks Workers United.

Starbucks initially offered unionized workers a one percent wage increase, then they upped the offer to one-and-a-half percent. If the union accepted this offer, it would mean a raise of less than 50 cents for most workers.

Standing in front of the drive-thru entrance, picketers chanted, “No contract, no coffee!” and held signs with the SBWU logo.

“Starbucks doesn’t exist without worker labor,” Smallen added.

#TampaFL #FL #SBWU #Starbucks #Strike

Dallas, TX – On December 23, four north Texas Starbucks locations joined the national strike led by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU). The next day, December 24, ten north Texas locations were on strike.

Pickets began at each location, then converged in Denton for a march between striking locations. Starbucks management called police on strikers at the Rayzor Ranch location, but police came and went without arrests.

Chants included “No contract? No coffee!” “3, 5, 7, 9, don’t cross a picket line!”, and “H-O-T-T-O-G-O, Brian Niccols got to go!” Brian Niccols is the new CEO of Starbucks.

On December 24, despite heavy rain, workers braved the weather to picket outside a Farmers Branch location with scabbing workers inside. Picketers wore ponchos and held umbrellas as they chanted “Hail or sleet, rain or shine, don’t cross a picket line!”

Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a strike captain and a five-year Starbucks partner, stated, “Not only do we want to come back to the bargaining table and secure a not just livable, but thriveable, contract to work under, we are also demanding a resolution to all unresolved unfair labor practices.”

Bre Byrd, a rank-and-file member of SBWU, spoke to their experience as a pregnant worker, saying, “I returned to Starbucks in 2023 because I was promised family expansion benefits, really competitive pay. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. So 25% of my pay goes to health insurance right now, which is really rough, and then it still took our entire life savings and a lot of debt for one round of IVF. So this contract really means everything to me and the future of my family.”

In Arlington, Starbucks workers held a picket outside of their store. Rhea Lanawant, a union member and strike captain of the SBWU, said, “We need to consider whose wallets those billions are lining. We are being choked. We cannot pay rent while their CEO makes more than $50k an hour.”

#DallasTX #TX #Labor #SBWU #Starbucks #Strike #Feature

Seattle, WA – On Friday, December 20, Starbucks workers at five stores in Seattle went on strike. Anchored by the 24 hour picket line at the Reserve Roastery, one of Starbucks’ premiere stores, workers on these picket lines are planning to strike through December 24.

Baristas are on an unfair labor practice strike after the company has continually stalled negotiations and engaged in bad faith bargaining. Starbucks workers say the company has not been willing to agree to pay that meets workers’ needs.

“We make our store so much money, we make Starbucks so much money,” said Bruce Halstead, a striking worker at the Reserve Roastery. “If our CEO can afford to have a private jet, they can afford more than a dollar at the minimum for us for raises.”

Since the strike authorization vote was announced Tuesday morning, the price of Starbucks’ stock has dropped almost 10%. “The number one thing that we provide for our company is profits. So, when we go on strike or have actions like these, those are the ways that the company will actually listen,” Halstead explained.

“Starbucks is not bargaining in good faith with us,” continued Halstead.

Mari Cosgrove, who has worked for Starbucks since 2014, further stated, “Credit card tipping was withheld from union stores. A judge found that was illegal and Starbucks has to pay us all, but Starbucks has been dragging their feet on actually paying us the last year.” On the picket line, one worker cited the effect this had on them – because of thousands of dollars in withheld tips, they were unable to make payments for secure parking, leading to their car being broken into and stolen.

Starbucks workers have long faced issues of understaffing, unpredictable scheduling, inadequate pay, and harassment on the job. Their organizing drive began with workers in Buffalo, New York, who filed petitions to unionize in 2021. Starbucks Workers United has since spread to over 10,000 workers at over 150 union stores. Many rounds of short-term strikes and organizing drives forced Starbucks to the negotiating table in February, and SBWU is now turning up the heat.

This round of strikes will be the longest of the strikes at Starbucks so far. Workers came from other stores which were still open to keep striking workers company overnight.

According to Cosgrove, “Being here overnight means that we’re able to block deliveries. The Teamsters famously will respect picket lines as long as you are picketing. So, we need to be able to be here when a truck shows up.” At close to midnight on the second day of the strike, striking workers were able to turn around a recycling truck.

Strong community support has raised the morale of workers on the picket line. Members from unions around the city, such as the CWA, UAW, and Renton Education Association, all came out to the picket line, as well as student and anti-war organizers.

“It means a lot to us, especially since we are paycheck to paycheck workers, we’re low-wage workers,” said Cosgrove. “So even just going on strike, it creates a lot of extra costs on us beyond just losing pay.” While would-be customers tried to pull open the locked doors, many were sympathetic to the striking workers and wished them good luck. One regular customer brought food to workers on the picket line.

Both Halstead and Cosgrove offered advice to those in the food service industry looking to unionize their workplaces. “It goes so much more above just complaining about what is going on, like we experience being short staffed, we experience not being paid enough, and the way that that really will change is through each other,” said Halstead. “I didn’t know that I had so many skills like this where I can get other people to listen, and I can engage my community.”

Cosgrove focused more on the attitude towards organizing, stating “Everything you do has to be fun. This is an industry that grinds you down.”

Cosgrove continued, “Keep it fucking real. Keep it so real, because there’s a reason food service hasn't been organized in a mass scale before, and it’s because we didn’t feel heard by a lot of organizers, and really just involve the rank and file, be incredibly pro-worker, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly food service can organize themselves.”

On the picket line, the work organizers have put in towards the strike is clear. While workers were hopeful that this strike would bring Starbucks back to the bargaining table on pay, they were prepared to fight for as long as necessary for a strong contract.

#SeattleWA #WA #Labor #Starbucks #Strike #SBWU #Feature

New Orleans, LA – On July 15, at least 13 New Orleanian activists will join thousands to march on the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This baker’s dozen is a group of leaders and organizers from Black liberation, labor, student and gender liberation movements.

“We are the phantom that haunts them in their sleep”

The coalition is fresh off of protesting Trump’s fundraiser in a New Orleans gated community near Tulane University. They say they’re ready to follow him to Wisconsin.

“I think it’s important to let the Republicans know that even when they leave their strong base in the South, that we’re gonna chase ‘em down and we’re gonna fight them every step of the way,” said Loyola Students for a Democratic Society organizer Jack Saucier. “We are the phantom that haunts them in their sleep. We’re everywhere that they think that we’re not and we’re on ‘em all the time.”

The city’s progressive movements are growing, but facing backlash from a state government dominated by racists and Christian fundamentalists. In June, Louisiana became the first state to require public schools to post the Ten Commandments in all classrooms.

“The attacks we face in Louisiana from the far right are part of the Republicans’ bigoted and undemocratic agenda. It’s important for us to fight those attacks at a local level, but that’s not enough,” said Molly Frayle of the Queer-Trans Community Action Project. “By protesting the RNC, we are sending a message to far-right politicians across the country.”

“It’s important that we keep our foot on these politicians’ necks”

As one of his first decisions in office, Governor Jeff Landry ramped up the Louisiana State Police’s presence in the New Orleans area. Their officers brutalized and arrested student protesters at the Tulane-Loyola Popular University for Gaza encampment in May. The Louisiana State Police can bypass the New Orleans Police Department’s consent decree, reversing decades of progress won by the movement for police accountability.

“It’s important that we keep our foot on these politicians’ necks,” said Kia Thomas of New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police. “They need to know we will not stand down.”

Abbey Lodwig, a barista, who will speak for Starbucks Workers United at the March on the RNC, states, “The Republicans are fighting to strip decades of labor rights the working class has won.”

Lodwig continued, “We’re excited to march on the RNC and we hope to see many union siblings alongside us!”

Palestine solidarity organizations were among the first to sponsor the march. Endorsers include New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports, NOLA Healthcare Workers for Palestine, and NOLA Artists for Palestine.

#NewOrleansLA #NOLA #FreePalestine #NOCOP #NOSHIP #MarchOnTheRNC #Starbucks #SWU #Loyola #LoyolaSDS #LoyNO #SDS

New Orleans, LA – On February 7, workers at Starbucks on Saint Claude Street won their union election in a 12 to 4 vote. This is the third Starbucks to unionize in New Orleans. Baristas complain of an unsafe work environment, lack of predictable or sufficient hours, and a workplace that is falling apart.

“I'm really proud of all our partners for showing up to vote and making their voices heard. We are hopeful that Starbucks will bargain with us in good faith and we can negotiate a contract that supports and represents all the lovely, hardworking employees at our store,” said Alexis Clark, who has been working at the location for two years.

“The efforts and plans we strived for finally paid off, this whole situation was a long time coming, and I'm happy with where we turned out,” barista Julian Musay said.

#NewOrleansLA #Labor #Starbucks #StarbucksWorkersUnited #Unionize

New Orleans, LA – On January 11, with 90% support, workers at Starbucks on St. Claude filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board. The store is located near the French Quarter and serves some tourists and locals.

“How I see it, unionizing my store will allow not only myself, but also my fellow partners to join together and create the ideal workspace for all of us. We've all decided the best way for us to see promising results is to take action into our hands and handle the situation ourselves,” said Julian Missy, an organizer and worker at the store for over a year.

The St. Claude location deals with some of the highest cases of safety incidents of any Starbucks location in New Orleans. Baristas have often had to work through verbal and physical harassment, with one barista even saying that she was forced to open after seeing someone die in the parking lot.

“Unionizing our store means a lot of different things – for me personally it means safety and community. We the partners deserve to feel safe and secure in our work environment. Without this security, we limit our potential and ability to fully communicate to our customers,” said Alyena Wagner, an organizer and worker at St. Claude.

Workers made clear that feeling unsafe at work has affected their lives outside of the workplace.

“When I’m forced to smile while customers yell and threaten me daily, that makes it harder to sleep before shifts, or to not feel anxious and exhausted during the day. Unionizing at our shop is a good idea because there is no profit incentive for Starbucks to care about our safety or wellbeing without us making them. We’re ready to fight to make sure workers at our store can prosper while working there,“ said Abbey Lodwig, another organizer at St. Claude.

If workers there vote to unionize, that will mark the third Starbucks in New Orleans to do so. Considering the location’s high tourist volume, the filing is important for the city’s hospitality industry as well.

#NewOrleansLA #Labor #Starbucks #Unionize