

# Starbucks Workers United Organizes Strike on Red Cup Day Amidst Unionization Efforts

On November 16, **Starbucks Workers United**, a union representing thousands of Starbucks employees, organized a strike on the company's promotional **Red Cup Day**. The strike was a part of the union's ongoing effort to pressure the company to negotiate a first union contract and address issues like understaffing (1,2,3,4).

> "Red Cup Day is Starbucks's biggest sales event of the season—and also one of the most infamously hard, understaffed days for the baristas that work them," said Starbucks Workers United in a press release (5).

The union accused Starbucks of failing to adequately staff during big promotional events, leading to the walkout. The union also requested Starbucks to turn off mobile orders during the promotional event (1). However, Starbucks countered these claims, stating that store schedules are created in advance based on anticipated trends and partner availability, and mobile ordering decisions are made at the store level (1).

> "Starbucks workers can't keep working with such short staffing," said Neha Cremin, a barista in Oklahoma City (2).

Negotiations between the union and Starbucks have reached an impasse, with both sides accusing each other of being unwilling to negotiate a contract (1,2). Starbucks recently announced increased pay and benefits for U.S. employees, including a minimum wage of $15 per hour in 2022 and a 3% incremental raise starting January 1st (2). However, the pay increases may not be implemented in stores where unionization efforts are underway pending collective bargaining (2).

> "We remain committed to working with all partners, side-by-side, to elevate the everyday, and we hope that Workers United’s priorities will shift to include the shared success of our partners and negotiating contracts for those they represent," said a Starbucks representative (5).

The **National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)** has received numerous unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks, including failure to bargain and retaliation against unionized workers (3). Despite the strikes, Starbucks reported a 12% increase in revenue for its 2023 fiscal year, reaching a record $36.0 billion (4).

The strike on Red Cup Day is the fifth major labor action by Starbucks workers since late 2021, including strikes on Red Cup Day last year and a strike in June protesting the removal of Pride displays (4). The union expects a larger number of stores to participate in the strike this year compared to last year, potentially resulting in hundreds of store closures (1).

This ongoing dispute between Starbucks and its workers union, Starbucks Workers United, highlights the tension between corporate interests and workers' rights. The outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for the future of labor rights within the service industry. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Starbucks will respond to the demands of its workers and whether the union's efforts will result in improved working conditions and fair negotiations.

<h1>Starbucks Workers United Organizes Strike on Red Cup Day Amidst Unionization Efforts</h1>
On November 16, Starbucks Workers United, a union representing thousands of Starbucks employees, organized a strike on the company's promotional Red Cup Day. The strike was a part of the union's ongoing effort to pressure the company to negotiate a first union contract and address issues like understaffing (1,2,3,4).
<blockquote>
"Red Cup Day is Starbucks's biggest sales event of the season—and also one of the most infamously hard, understaffed days for the baristas that work them," said Starbucks Workers United in a press release (5).
</blockquote>
The union accused Starbucks of failing to adequately staff during big promotional events, leading to the walkout. The union also requested Starbucks to turn off mobile orders during the promotional event (1). However, Starbucks countered these claims, stating that store schedules are created in advance based on anticipated trends and partner availability, and mobile ordering decisions are made at the store level (1).
<blockquote>
"Starbucks workers can't keep working with such short staffing," said Neha Cremin, a barista in Oklahoma City (2).
</blockquote>
Negotiations between the union and Starbucks have reached an impasse, with both sides accusing each other of being unwilling to negotiate a contract (1,2). Starbucks recently announced increased pay and benefits for U.S. employees, including a minimum wage of $15 per hour in 2022 and a 3% incremental raise starting January 1st (2). However, the pay increases may not be implemented in stores where unionization efforts are underway pending collective bargaining (2).
<blockquote>
"We remain committed to working with all partners, side-by-side, to elevate the everyday, and we hope that Workers United’s priorities will shift to include the shared success of our partners and negotiating contracts for those they represent," said a Starbucks representative (5).
</blockquote>
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has received numerous unfair labor practice charges against Starbucks, including failure to bargain and retaliation against unionized workers (3). Despite the strikes, Starbucks reported a 12% increase in revenue for its 2023 fiscal year, reaching a record $36.0 billion (4).
The strike on Red Cup Day is the fifth major labor action by Starbucks workers since late 2021, including strikes on Red Cup Day last year and a strike in June protesting the removal of Pride displays (4). The union expects a larger number of stores to participate in the strike this year compared to last year, potentially resulting in hundreds of store closures (1).
This ongoing dispute between Starbucks and its workers union, Starbucks Workers United, highlights the tension between corporate interests and workers' rights. The outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for the future of labor rights within the service industry. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Starbucks will respond to the demands of its workers and whether the union's efforts will result in improved working conditions and fair negotiations.

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Fox Business

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Starbucks Workers United plans a strike on Red Cup Day, demanding better working conditions and fair negotiations. Starbucks counters, accusing the union of delaying contract negotiations.

Starbucks Workers United Organizes Strike on Red Cup Day Amidst Unionization Efforts

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