On “Red Cup Day,” Starbucks employees went on strike

On “Red Cup Day,” Starbucks employees went on strike at more than 100 stores across the country.

More than 100 Starbucks locations across the United States will be closed on Thursday for the largest strike by employees since a campaign to unionize the company’s stores began late last year.

The walkouts are taking place at the same time as Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, during which the coffee chain gives away free reusable cups to customers who purchase a holiday beverage. 

Employees report that it is typically one of the busiest days of the entire year. 

Starbucks did not wish to comment on the number of red cups it intends to distribute.

Workers have expressed a desire for improved pay, more stable work schedules, and increased staffing levels in busy retail establishments.

Starbucks Workers United, the group leading the strike, claimed that stores in 25 states intended to participate. 

The striking workers are distributing red cups emblazoned with their union’s logo.

Here are some comments made by the public:

What if Starbucks starts to invest in autonomous coffee shops, like the one in Singapore which uses “Ella”

Support! I started boycotting SB when I found out SB retaliates against employees who want to unionize.

I stand in solidarity with Starbuck workers. Bazillionaires can pay a liveable wage in 2022-23! No one should have to work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet!

So, you want more money, so I will have to pay more money for a coffee (pour liquid in cup). I think there are other people that need the money and work that are willing to replace you before I pay 5 dollars for a venti pike place roast. If not, well then this opens the opportunity for competition.

The union does not need to leech off of workers and their consumers when the only labor is to pour something in a vessel. Tuff times, but I can save money by buying my own starbucks coffee and making it at home.

I really think the crux of the matter is all the food you have to microwave, does that make you feel like a chef? or a taco bell worker? Well I hope a new counter coffee company rises up…should I start shopping at Dutch Bros. Coffee?

whats their plan when the starbucks they work goes out of business and closes down because they stopped making money ? they just gonna ask for a transfer to a new one ?

they could all quit right now and nobody would care because there are so many coffee places around seattle. there so many coffe shops around here all the customers have to do is walk across the street to find another coffee shop that doesnt have a protest out front.