Starbucks 'Rebellion' In LA County Stymies Annual Red Cup Day

Coffee fans in some parts of Southern California may have trouble taking advantage of Starbucks' annual Red Cup Day Thursday, as baristas in the region are among those who have walked off the job as part of a strike.

Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents some of the chain's workers, announced that it would begin a strike Thursday amid a stalemate in contract negotiations with the company.

Strikes are underway for 65 stores in 41 cities nationwide, with about 1,000 baristas walking off the job as part of what the union has dubbed the "Red Cup Rebellion."

In California, that includes stores in Long Beach, Santa Clarita, San Diego, Anaheim, Seal Beach, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. A rally is planned for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Downtown Disney location in Anaheim.

The union called the action an "open-ended strike" prompted by the coffee giant "refusing to offer new proposals" to address demands such as higher wages, better staffing and alleged unfair labor practices.

Union officials said the labor action could extend to as many as 550 unionized Starbucks locations nationally.

The walkout occurred on Starbucks' Red Cup Day, in which customers who order select holiday beverages receive a free reusable red coffee cup.

Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks representative, told ABC News the company was "disappointed" in the union, noting that it "only represents around 4% of our partners." Anderson accused the union of failing to return to the bargaining table.

"When they're ready to come back, we're ready to talk," Anderson told ABC. "Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners."

The two sides have been in negotiations since February 2024, USA Today reported.

"If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, they'll see their business grind to a halt," Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokeswoman, said in a statement. "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 labor practices are won.

"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 finalize a contract. Until then, you'll see us and our allies on the picket line."

City News Service contributed to this report.