New York City, November 14, 2025
Over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers participated in a significant strike across 65 locations in the U.S., coinciding with the annual Red Cup Day. Organized by Starbucks Workers United, the strike addresses stalled labor negotiations, demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and the resolution of numerous alleged unfair labor practices. Despite the strike, Starbucks continued operations at nearly 10,000 stores nationwide. The company’s response highlighted its competitive wages but dismissed union demands as unrealistic. This event marks the second year of strikes during this holidays promotion.
Starbucks Workers Strike at Dozens of Stores on Red Cup Day
Protests by Unionized Employees Mark Ongoing Labor Negotiations
On November 13, 2025, a significant strike occurred involving over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers at 65 locations across the United States. This event coincided with the annual “Red Cup Day,” a popular promotion marking the beginning of the holiday season that traditionally attracts a high volume of customers. The strike was organized by Starbucks Workers United and aimed to address stalled labor negotiations and demand better working conditions.
Workers participating in the strike shared concerns regarding long wait times, limited operating hours, and low wages—reportedly as low as $16 per hour. They are collectively demanding better staffing, higher wages, and resolutions to over 100 alleged unfair labor practices, which include retaliatory firings and the enforcement of restroom restrictions for non-paying customers.
Scope and Impact of the Strike
The strike unfolded across multiple major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, Dallas, Columbus, and Seattle. Despite this disruption, Starbucks continued to operate nearly 10,000 stores nationwide, highlighting the company’s resilient operational model while navigating complex labor dynamics.
Company’s Response and Worker Concerns
Starbucks expressed disappointment about the strike’s occurrence, asserting that it offers substantial benefits to its employees, averaging $30 per hour in overall compensation. However, the company decried the union’s demands for wage increases of up to 77% as unrealistic, maintaining that it already provides industry-leading pay. This ongoing contention illustrates the challenges that large corporations face when balancing employee expectations with economic realities.
Historical Context of Labor Actions at Starbucks
This recent strike is not an isolated incident; it marks the second occurrence in less than a year during the Red Cup Day event. The previous strike in 2022 saw over 100 locations participate, protesting allegations of union-busting and the company’s reluctance to negotiate contracts fairly. This indicates a trend of escalating labor disputes within the company as employees seek to assert their rights and improve working conditions.
Stock Market Response
In the aftermath of the strike, Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) stock traded at $86.44 as of November 14, 2025, reflecting a decline of $0.81 (-0.93%) from the previous closing figure. The day’s trading showcased a range from a high of $87.44 to a low of $86.20, indicative of fluctuating market sentiments as investors monitor the company’s handling of labor negotiations alongside its business performance.
Encouraging Local Support and Engagement
The situation surrounding Starbucks paints a complex picture of labor relations in the United States today. During times of unrest, the resilience of small businesses and their employees is paramount. Local communities are encouraged to support their neighborhood coffee shops, while broader economic conversations about regulation and employee treatment continue to evolve. Engaging with local entrepreneurs and cultivating positive working relationships can play a vital role in driving New York’s economic future forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Red Cup Day?
Red Cup Day is an annual Starbucks promotion where customers receive a free, reusable red cup with the purchase of a holiday beverage, marking the start of the holiday season.
Why are Starbucks workers striking on Red Cup Day?
Workers are protesting stalled labor negotiations and demanding better staffing, higher wages, and resolution of alleged unfair labor practices.
How many stores are affected by the strike?
The strike involves 65 U.S. stores across 45 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, Dallas, Columbus, Ohio, and Seattle.
What is Starbucks’ response to the strike?
Starbucks expressed disappointment in the strike plan, arguing it offers strong benefits averaging $30/hour, but criticized the union’s demands for pay hikes of up to 77% as unrealistic.
How has the strike impacted Starbucks’ operations?
Despite the strike, Starbucks reported strong sales performance on Red Cup Day, with nearly 10,000 stores remaining open to serve customers.
What is the current stock performance of Starbucks?
As of November 14, 2025, Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) stock is trading at $86.44, down $0.81 (-0.93%) from the previous close.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Strike by over 1,000 unionized workers on Red Cup Day |
| Locations Affected | 65 U.S. stores across 45 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, Dallas, Columbus, Ohio, and Seattle |
| Union Involved | Starbucks Workers United |
| Demands | Better staffing, higher wages, and resolution of alleged unfair labor practices |
| Company’s Response | Expressed disappointment, citing strong benefits averaging $30/hour, and criticized union’s demands for pay hikes of up to 77% as unrealistic |
| Impact on Operations | Despite the strike, nearly 10,000 stores remained open, serving customers during the promotion |
| Stock Performance | As of November 14, 2025, Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) stock is trading at $86.44, down $0.81 (-0.93%) from the previous close |
Now Happening on X
- @NYBizJournal (November 7, 2025): More homeowners are increasingly at the mercy of a housing market in transition. View on X
- @business (November 12, 2025): A new tax program is changing how developers design the city’s residential buildings. View on X
- @BizAdvisories (November 13, 2025): Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (11/12/25) – Banks Weather CRE Storm, Industrial Outdoor Storage Markets Soar, and Office Vacancy rates discussed. View on X
- @NTD_Live (November 13, 2025): Michael Romer notes a shift from all-cash deals to financed purchases in the market, with interest rates closely monitored; 50 percent of deals now involve financing. View on X
- @Bisnow (November 11, 2025): ‘Talk Of The Town’: New York Trends, Investing And Headwinds Under A New Administration. View on X
- @914INCBusiness (November 13, 2025): From a unique home design concept to a hot golf spot, learn the 411 on what’s happening with Westchester businesses. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
