Brookline Starbucks Baristas On Strike For ‘Red Cup Rebellion'

BROOKLINE, MA — Baristas at the 874 Comm Ave Starbucks in Brookline are on strike Thursday as part of “Red Cup Rebellion.”

Thursday is the chain’s annual “Red Cup Day,” during which Starbucks gives free reusable cups to customers who order a holiday drink.

This year, union members at seven Massachusetts locations and more than 100 stores nationwide are using the day to make a point about how they are treated in the workplace.

"One of the ways Starbucks makes their billions is by exploiting our labor, especially on days like their famous Red Cup Day,” Willow Montana, Cleveland Circle Shift Manager Willow Montana said in a statement. "We are striking on what is historically known as Starbucks' biggest day of the year because as of today the Cleveland Circle Starbucks has not had a single contract bargaining session with Starbucks despite winning our union vote back in April of this year. If the company won’t bargain in good faith, why should we come to work where we are understaffed, underpaid, and overworked?"

Massachusetts locations that are on strike Thursday include the following:

• 1304 Commonwealth Ave: 10a.m.- 12p.m.
• 217 Western Ave: 7a.m.- 1p.m.
• 277 Harvard St: 7a.m.- 2p.m.
• 874 Commonwealth Ave: 8a.m.- 2p.m.
• 1948 Beacon St: 9a.m.- 1p.m.
• 75 Mt. Auburn St: 8a.m.- 12p.m.
• 308 W. Broadway (Gardner): 9a.m.- 1p.m.

For updates on Starbucks strikes and negotiations in the Boston area, click here.