Starbucks workers at 10 unionized New York City stores quietly returned to work on Thursday, ending a nearly three-month strike after failing to force management back to the bargaining table for a first contract.
The “Red Cup Rebellion” and Its Impact
The strike, which began on Nov. 13, saw workers in more than 85 cities nationwide walk off the job in what Starbucks Workers United called a “Red Cup Rebellion.” The protest aimed to address the union’s claim that the company was refusing to finalize a collective bargaining agreement. The action garnered national attention and support, including visits from then-Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to striking workers in Park Slope in December.
While New York City union members have returned to work, workers in cities like Philadelphia and Seattle are continuing to strike, according to the union. Despite the return to work in New York, workers expressed a sense of accomplishment, stating the strike fostered unity and developed new leadership within the union. Kai Fritz, a strike captain and barista at a Bensonhurst location, said, “We’ve gained so many new leaders through this strike, and we’ve learned a lot about our union and what we’re capable of.”
Since the strike began, 20 stores across the country have voted to unionize, including at least four in January. The union has also recently launched a campaign urging customers to delete the Starbucks app from their phones.
Michelle Eisen, a Starbucks Workers United spokesperson, emphasized that the union is evolving its strategy and that the strike’s end does not signify a retreat. She stated, “There’s no pulling back, and we have never signaled that [the strike] is ending in any way, and workers have the ability to make that call themselves.”
Negotiations and Future Strategy
Negotiations between Starbucks Workers United and Starbucks began in 2021, after a Buffalo store became the first in the nation to unionize. A “framework” for negotiations was reached in February 2024, but the two sides remain far apart on wages, benefits, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The union claimed it had not received economic counterproposals from the company for over six months when the strike began.
Eisen indicated the union may return to one- or two-day strikes and continue organizing efforts, noting they receive “hundreds” of organizing leads each week. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated the company welcomes the New York workers’ return and hopes it signals a willingness to resume bargaining, expressing confidence in reaching a contract that reflects the value of working at Starbucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the goal of the “Red Cup Rebellion”?
The goal of the strike was to force Starbucks back to the bargaining table and to secure a first contract for unionized workers.
Have any stores voted to unionize since the strike began?
Yes, workers at 20 stores across the country have voted to unionize since the strike began on Nov. 13, including at least four in January.
What is the union’s next step?
The union is evolving its strategy and may return to one- or two-day strikes, in addition to continuing its efforts to organize more stores.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Starbucks and its workers will navigate the path toward a potential agreement.
