Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Mayor Mamdani Supports Starbucks Workers' National Strike
Some Starbucks workers, who are part of a union called Starbucks Workers United, have gone on strike.
They want the company to agree to a fair contract that gives them better pay, more hours, and fairer treatment.
They are also asking Starbucks to stop breaking labor laws.
To get attention, they started their strike on a very busy day for Starbucks called 'Red Cup Day.'
The mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, is supporting the workers.
He promised to join them if they went on strike, and he has asked everyone to stop buying Starbucks coffee until the company makes a fair deal.
Starbucks says that most of its stores are still open and doing well, and that the strike isn't affecting their business much.
The workers say their strike will continue until they get what they are asking for.
Nearly 10,000 Starbucks baristas across the U.S. have gone on a national strike, as called for by Starbucks Workers United.
The strike coincides with Starbucks' popular 'Red Cup Day' promotion, a major sales event for the company.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged his support, urging a boycott of Starbucks until a fair contract is reached.
Unionized workers are demanding a fair contract, better pay, improved working conditions, and an end to alleged unfair labor practices by Starbucks.
Starbucks claims the strike has minimal impact, with most stores operating normally and sales exceeding expectations.
- Who
- Nearly 10,000 Starbucks baristas represented by Starbucks Workers United, and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- What
- A national strike involving baristas walking out of stores and a call for a consumer boycott, timed with Starbucks' 'Red Cup Day'.
- When
- Thursday, November 16, 2023, with an open-ended duration.
- Where
- Across at least 45 cities in the United States.
- Why
- To protest Starbucks' alleged refusal to negotiate a fair contract, engage in unfair labor practices, and to demand better pay, job protections, and working conditions.
Starbucks Workers United (Union)
Starbucks Management
Contract Negotiations and Labor Practices
Starbucks Workers United (Union)
Accuses Starbucks of refusing to finalize a fair union contract and engaging in unfair labor practices. Alleges Starbucks CEO's salary is disproportionately high compared to worker pay and highlights demands for living wages, stable hours, and resolution of labor law violations.
Starbucks Management
Claims the union has abandoned negotiations. States that most stores are operating normally and sales forecasts are being met or exceeded, indicating the strike has minimal impact.
- Strike Date
- Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Number of Baristas Striking
- Nearly 10,000
- Number of Stores Affected
- 65 stores initially, with potential for more
- Cities Affected
- At least 45 U.S. cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, Dallas, St. Louis, Columbus, and Seattle.
- Key Event Targeted
- Starbucks' 'Red Cup Day' promotion
- Supporting Figure
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
- Union Allegations
- Starbucks engages in unfair labor practices and delays contract negotiations.
