Starbucks Red Cup Strike Spreads East Coast
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Starbucks Workers United Strike Expands to 95 Stores, Disrupting Supply Chain
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A nationwide strike initiated by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) over alleged unfair labor practices has escalated, now impacting 95 Starbucks locations across 65 cities and significantly disrupting operations at the company’s East Coast distribution center in York, Pennsylvania. the strike, entering its second week as of November 20, 2025, coincides with the peak holiday season and Starbucks’ annual “Red Cup Day” promotion.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 13: Starbucks workers walk a picket line as thay go on strike outside a Starbucks store on november 13, 2025 in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New york city. according to the Starbucks Workers United (SWU), the union representing the workers, more than 1,000 Starbucks workers have gone on strike at about 65 stores across the country.
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The Expanding Strike: A Timeline
The strike commenced on November 13, 2025, strategically timed to coincide with Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day,” a highly publicized annual event that draws large crowds and generates significant revenue. SBWU initially targeted approximately 65 stores, but the action quickly gained momentum, with workers at an additional 30 locations joining the picket lines in the following week, according to a November 17, 2025 report from NBC News. The York, Pennsylvania distribution center, which serves a substantial portion of the East Coast, experienced significant slowdowns due to worker protests, impacting store supply chains.
Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices
the SBWU alleges that Starbucks has engaged in a pattern of retaliatory behavior against union organizers and supporters, including unwarranted firings, disciplinary actions, and the denial of benefits. These claims are based on numerous filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labor law. As of November 19, 2025, the NLRB has issued multiple complaints against Starbucks, alleging violations of the National Labor Relations Act. A Reuters article published November 13, 2025 details several specific cases of alleged retaliation.
Starbucks’ Response
Starbucks maintains that it respects the rights of its employees to organize and bargain collectively, but denies the allegations of unfair labor practices. In a November 14, 2025 statement, the company stated it is ”committed to working with our partners” and that it has “bargained in good faith” with the union. Starbucks also asserts that the strike is causing disruptions to its customers and partners (employees) and that it is taking steps