Starbucks Workers Stage Brooklyn Labor Walk-Out In National Protest Wave

BROOKLYN, NY — Workers at Brooklyn Starbucks stores staged an abrupt walkout last week during one of the company’s busiest business days, adding momentum to a nationwide labor push.

Thousands of unionized Starbucks employees staged coordinated strikes across the U.S. on Thursday, demanding better terms in ongoing contract negotiations. Starbucks Workers United, the union representing the baristas, said the action would affect dozens of stores in cities nationwide and warned it could escalate protests if the company fails to reach a fair agreement.

"We’re striking for a fair union contract, resolution of unfair labor practices, and a better future at Starbucks," said Dachi Spoltore, a company barista. "For every one barista on strike, dozens more allies and customers have pledged to honor the picket line and not buy Starbucks while we’re on strike."

Dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” a nod to the annual promotion when Starbucks hands out free red cups, the union previously noted that the day is the company’s biggest sales event of the season—and also one of the most notoriously difficult and understaffed days for the baristas who work it.

In Brooklyn, members of Starbucks Workers United and their allies staged a protest outside the Starbucks on Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill. Officials said similar demonstrations also took place at stores in Manhattan.

A map with more information about future rallies is available at nocontractnocoffee.org.

The walkouts aren’t just about unionization, they’re a direct challenge to Starbucks’ history of union-busting and its failure to finalize a fair contract.

The open-ended strike comes after six months of stalled negotiations, with workers demanding better staffing, higher pay, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints.

Bargaining between Starbucks and unionized baristas began in April 2024, resulting in 33 tentative agreements on workplace improvements, the union said. Last December, talks broke down after Starbucks rejected the union’s proposals for higher wages and better staffing, offering a package that failed to address core concerns.

Workers United subsequently filed national unfair labor practice (ULP) charges, which have since grown to over 100, alleging the company has refused to bargain in good faith and implemented policies without union approval.

While Starbucks has recently agreed to return to the bargaining table, the union says meaningful progress requires new proposals that address pay, hours, staffing, and resolution of the ongoing ULPs.

Starbucks Workers United says that they currently represent over 550 Starbucks stores and about 11,000 workers nationwide.