Unionised Starbucks employees in more than 40 US cities have begun an open‑ended strike as part of efforts to secure a collective bargaining agreement covering pay and benefits.

Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) states that the walkout involves more than 1,000 baristas at 550 stores it represents.

SBWU spokesperson Michelle Eisen said: “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, they’ll see their business grind to a halt.

“No contract, no coffee is more than a tagline — it’s a pledge to interrupt Starbucks’ operations and profits until a fair union contract and an end to unfair labour practices are won.”

At 65 outlets, the action is timed to coincide with Starbucks’ Red Cup Day - a promotional event taking place on 13 November 2025 on which customers selecting a seasonal beverage receive it in a red cup.

The union cautioned that the walkout could become the “largest and longest” in Starbucks’ history.

Cities scheduled to participate include New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Dallas and Austin.

Eisen stated: “Starbucks knows where we stand. We’ve been clear and consistent on what baristas need to succeed: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Bring us new proposals that address these issues so we can finalise a contract. Until then, you’ll see us and our allies on the picket line.”

The union has previously filed more than 1,000 unfair labour practice (ULP) charges against the company.

In January 2025, Workers United lodged 34 complaints alleging federal labour law violations at stores across 16 states.

In September, Starbucks announced plans to close some stores and eliminate 900 non‑retail positions under CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround plan.

The company has stated that affected employees would receive severance and support packages, including benefits extensions, and that unfilled roles would be removed.