The great Starbucks strike. It will cover dozens of cities and several dozen locations

The Starbucks Workers United union has launched an indefinite strike in the US, covering dozens of cities and several dozen locations. Baristas are demanding higher wages, more employment and an end to unfair employer practices.

On Thursday, the trade union Starbucks Workers United has launched an indefinite strike at 65 locations in the US. The disruption of Red Cup Day is intended to draw attention to working conditions. Starbucks strikes will take place in at least 25 cities in the USA, third time since the establishment of the union Starbucks Workers United in 2021.

Red Cup is Starbucks' annual promotion where customers get a holiday mug when they purchase a seasonal drink.

Today's strike isn't just about Starbucks. It's about a broken system where billionaires & CEOs keep getting richer while the politicians they bankroll gut our wages, healthcare & rights.

Baristas are fighting for a fair contract and for a more just society. #NoContractNoCoffee pic.twitter.com/99kVRFVoCX— SEIU (@SEIU) November 14, 2025

According to GroundNews, the trade union demands: higher wages due to them, better working hours and resolution of the issue of unfair practices towards employees.

Baristas at Downtown Disney couldn't stand another day of their managers' unfair labor practices & kicked off our nationwide strike this weekend. These workers have shut down one of the largest Starbucks stores in the country — and we're just getting started! #NoContractNoCoffee pic.twitter.com/a75zgsJxir

— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) November 9, 2025

Although trade unions operate only in some stores, during last year's protests – Red Cup Day and five-day strike – 59 premises were closed. How emphasizes Michelle Eisen, spokeswoman for Starbucks Workers United, that recently every day at the company has been very difficult for baristasand excessive workload should not lead to exhaustion of employees – reports tvn24.

Starbucks is having a difficult time

Recent years have been challenging for Starbucks – the chain had to deal with boycotts, growing competition and customer dissatisfaction related to high prices. Last September Brian Niccol became the new presidentformerly the host of Chipotle and Taco Bell. He introduced “Back to Starbucks” restructuring plan: restricted access to toilets for people not purchasing drinks, tightened dress codes for staff and improved seating comfort for guests. Additionally, he announced an investment of USD 500 million in employee training and staff strengthening.

Despite these actions, revenue growth is slow. In the second quarter, the network recorded percentage increase sales in premises that have been operating for at least a year – the first such improvement in almost two years. In the United States, results remain low. Starbucks also dropped to 45th in the agency's annual rankings, its lowest ranking since 2016 – we read in tvn24.

The dispute is growing, the problems are growing

Starbucks closed hundreds of locations, laid off thousands of workers and sold a 60% stake in its Chinese operations. These actions only deepened the conflict between trade unions and the company's management. In January, both sides agreed to mediation, but the dispute still concerns wages, employment and allegations of unfair practices towards employees. – And the brand was already under clear pressure – emphasized Laurence Newell, director at Brand Finance, a company monitoring the value and strength of brands.

WM

Source: