Starbucks Workers' Union Escalates Strike on Black Friday

This article reports on the Starbucks workers' union expanding its strike action to over 120 stores across 85 cities on Black Friday, one of the company's busiest retail days.

Key Points

• Strike Expansion: The Starbucks workers' union announced it is escalating an indefinite strike to more than 120 stores and 85 cities on Black Friday

• Worker Demands: Striking baristas are demanding higher wages, improved working hours, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges for union busting

• Union Representation: Workers United said it represents over 11,000 baristas at about 550 Starbucks stores

• Stalled Negotiations: Contract talks remain stalled despite mediation efforts in February, with both sides trading blame after delegates rejected Starbucks' proposed package in April that guaranteed annual raises of at least 2%

• Strategic Timing: Starbucks Workers United has repeatedly targeted the company's busy holiday season and Red Cup Day, when Starbucks hands out reusable red holiday-themed cups to customers for free on coffee purchases

Author: Staff
Source: CNBC
Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/28/starbucks-workers-union-escalates-strike-on-black-friday.html