U.S. News
Starbucks Workers Kick Off Biggest Strike In Company History On Most Profitable Day Of The Year
Clear Facts
- Thousands of Starbucks workers are striking on “Red Cup Day,” one of the company’s most profitable days of the year.
- The strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United, aims to address understaffing, demand better pay and benefits, and call for protections against harassment and bigotry.
- This strike comes less than two weeks after Starbucks announced a 3% hourly pay raise starting next year.
Thousands of Starbucks workers are walking out of hundreds of locations on Thursday to protest working conditions and demand better benefits. The strike is taking place on one of the company’s most profitable days of the year, “Red Cup Day,” when Starbucks releases its collectible red holiday cups.
The strike was planned by Starbucks Workers United, representing around 9,000 employees at 360 stores. Workers are raising concerns about understaffing, which particularly affects employees on days like November 16. On Red Cup Day, customers can receive a free, reusable cup by ordering a holiday drink at participating Starbucks locations.
Titled the “Red Cup Rebellion,” the workers’ demands include a base pay of $20 per hour for all baristas and $25.40 for shift supervisors, a commitment to annual raises of 5%, and cost-of-living adjustments. Workers are also asking for protections such as a “commitment to racial justice, including protections against racial harassment and bigotry from customers, co-workers, and managers,” and a commitment to zero tolerance of sexual harassment.
The strike is happening less than two weeks after Starbucks announced it would raise the hourly pay by at least 3% at the start of next year. Last year, the National Labor Relations Board accused Starbucks of intimidating workers trying to unionize by closing down stores. Starbucks has repeatedly denied engaging in any retaliatory activity when specific employees raised complaints.
“When we secure Fair Election Principles as part of our contract with Starbucks, the company will be held to an ethical code of conduct designed to safeguard the organizing process. This will allow partners at not-yet-union stores across the country to join our union quickly and freely, without reprisals,” the November proposal reads.
Last year, the union held a similar walkout on Red Cup Day, calling out the company for alleged union-busting actions. Thousands of employees participated in a single-day strike, affecting more than 100 Starbucks locations and marking the union’s largest coordinated effort since forming in 2021. Despite the record number of walkouts, Red Cup Day was still the biggest sales event of last year.
Amid workers’ pleas for fair wages, Starbucks saw record-breaking sales revenue in the fourth quarter of the 2022 fiscal year, bringing in $1.1 billion in profits. The company’s profits continued to grow in the fourth quarter of FY23, reaching $1.6 billion.
Clear Thoughts
The “Red Cup Rebellion” exposes the hypocrisy of a supposedly progressive company like Starbucks. Despite soaring profits, Starbucks fails to address the legitimate concerns of its workers, who demand fair wages, protection against harassment, and better working conditions. The recent 3% pay raise announcement is a mere token gesture, insufficient to meet the needs of employees. As customers enjoy their festive beverages, they must remember the plight of the overworked and underpaid baristas who make their holiday cheer possible. It’s time for Starbucks to prioritize its workers’ well-being over corporate greed.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Seymour Conservative
November 17, 2023 at 10:43 am
BFD,this owner claimed during the Trump POTUS seat that he would not hire anymore Americcans but would instead hire 10k+ muslim immigrants.
So I hope the chain goes under……I have ZERO respect for a “coffee waitress”
I’ll stick to Dunkins.
John
November 20, 2023 at 6:42 pm
The only time I go to Starbucks is on Veterans Day. And take them for a free 12 Oz. I ripped them for 9 cups. I filled a one gallon. And have done that for a few years now. Thanks for the ice coffee, fart-bucks. I earned it as a Vietnam Vet.
The Seymour Conservative
November 21, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Thank you for your service!!!
terry
November 20, 2023 at 6:45 pm
Wow did not know. DO NOT drink there. I prefer McDonalds. Honest local people trying to make a living. Starbuck burns their beans to make them bigger So they don’t have to use so much. Terrible coffee at terrible prices.
S
November 20, 2023 at 6:35 pm
I agree, The Seymour Conservative. I stopped being a customer of theirs many years ago because of their radical agendas. What’s that got to do with selling coffee?
The Seymour Conservative
November 21, 2023 at 12:06 pm
Exactly,keep the Seattle/West coast politics in Seattle.
R.Frech
November 20, 2023 at 6:48 pm
There are better and less expensive places for Coffee then Starbucks.
never ever go there ?
Andy
November 20, 2023 at 6:56 pm
I believe that Starbucks should fire the hiring managers who, due to their poor judgement, hired such employees.
PSL
November 20, 2023 at 7:23 pm
Get a snowflake wind up with a mud puddle
robert m brinkman
November 20, 2023 at 9:10 pm
I think Starbucks is overprice and terrible tasting and I would not go there again for free
Rodnut
November 21, 2023 at 3:04 am
Who cares there are so many other good local coffee shops that I would rather support than giving my money to a bunch of lazy A$$ Snowflakes who would not know a real hard job. You are making Coffee get to work you PU$$IES.
Tony Walters
November 21, 2023 at 8:01 am
Idiots, $20 an hour is not sustainable. They seem to think they are doing important work.
Colleen
November 21, 2023 at 11:10 am
I am proud to say I have never stepped foot in a star big buck, nor ever drank a cup of their swill. My former boss would spend $5.00 on a cup of coffee but never gave me a raise. Hope they all close. Totally unamerican.