Starbucks Union Workers Call for Strike on Red Cup Day This Thursday

By
Fatima Attarwala
Fatima Attarwala
Full Bio
Fatima Attarwala is a business news writer and editor with a decade of experience researching, analyzing, and commenting on issues influencing the economy.
Learn about our editorial policies
Published November 14, 2023
Starbucks cup

Spencer Platt / Staff / Getty Images

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Starbucks union workers called for a walkout on Red Cup Day this Thursday.
  • Red Cup Day is one of the coffee chain's biggest promotional events of the season.
  • Starbucks reportedly claimed the union has not met to negotiate for over four months.

Starbucks (SBUX) union workers are calling for a walkout at Starbucks stores on "Red Cup Day" this Thursday, one of the chain's biggest promotional events of the season.

Workers said the annual event, in which Starbucks hands out free, reusable, holiday-themed cups with coffee purchases, can be one of the hardest days of the year for staff with a jump in order volumes.

Staffing levels and inconsistent schedules represent two of the workers' main grievances. Other core demands include better pay and benefits, a safe and respectful working environment, and the right to organize.

Starbucks reportedly said it is aware that union members are planning a strike, and claimed the union has not agreed to meet to negotiate in over four months.

Unionized Starbucks workers went on strike during last year's Red Cup Day as well, and this year, the union is calling on customers and allies to walk out in solidarity. Over 360 Starbucks stores are unionized, with more than 9,000 union partners, according to the union's website.

Do you have a news tip for Investopedia reporters? Please email us at
Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. Starbucks Workers United. "Red Cup Rebellion 2023."

  2. Starbucks Workers United. "Proposals updated."

  3. Reuters. "Workers United calls for walkouts at hundreds of Starbucks stores on Red Cup day."

  4. Starbucks Workers United. "Red Cup Rebellion 2023."

  5. Starbucks Workers United. "Home."

Take the Next Step to Invest
×
The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace.