Unionized Starbucks Baristas Prepared to Go on Strike Next Week Amid Long Contract Standoff

The Brewing Tension: Starbucks Workers United Prepares for a Potential Strike

Unionized Starbucks baristas, representing about 4% of the company’s U.S. workforce, have voted overwhelmingly to authorize their leaders to call a strike if the coffee giant doesn’t make new proposals or see real progress in contract talks. The authorization was approved by 92% of those who voted, according to Starbucks Workers United.

Stalled Contract Talks and Baristas’ Demands

The union’s move comes after six months of failed attempts by the coffee giant to offer new proposals addressing workers’ pay and staffing concerns. Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union and a former Starbucks worker of 15 years, stated that baristas are prepared to strike in more than 25 cities if a contract is not finalized by Nov. 13.

“Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” Eisen said in a statement. “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt.”

Starbucks’ Counterarguments and Holiday Season Concerns

Despite the union’s readiness for a strike, Starbucks has placed blame on the union for the stalled contract talks. Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for the company, said they were “disappointed” with the union’s move to authorize a strike “instead of returning to the bargaining table.”

Anderson emphasized that just a fraction of its stores are unionized and stated: “Our customers can be assured that our partners will be ready to serve them at the vast majority of our more than 10,000 company operated coffeehouses and nearly 7,000 licensed locations throughout the holiday season, regardless of the union’s plans.”

Union’s Demands and Previous Efforts

The strike authorization vote occurred just before the crucial holiday season, a time when Starbucks’ sales are expected to spike. According to Sara Kelly, Starbucks’ chief partner officer, the union has requested unrealistic pay increases of 65% immediately and 77% over three years, in addition to other changes that could hinder store operations.

The strike authorization follows months of failed contract talks and regular calls by the union for the company to return to the bargaining table. In February, federal mediators were brought in but made little progress. The union has also taken issue with recent store closures and new policies such as the updated uniform and requirements for handwritten messages on coffee cups.

Background and Context

The tension between Starbucks and its baristas began to escalate last year, when the company pledged publicly to work with the union after being accused by federal regulators of unlawfully firing workers. The dispute has been ongoing since December 2025, with more than 1,000 unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board against Starbucks by the union.

Unionized workers have also taken issue with recent store closures that have affected dozens of California stores and new policies such as the updated uniform and requirements for handwritten messages on coffee cups. These changes are among the reasons workers are gearing up for a strike, according to Lynne Fox, President of Starbucks Workers United.

Future Implications

The next three months will determine the future of this iconic U.S. company, as both sides prepare for potential strikes and negotiations. The holiday season is crucial not only for sales but also for setting a tone for the coming year. A resolution to the dispute could have significant implications for Starbucks’ operations, employee relations, and overall business strategy.

The situation highlights the increasing tension between large corporations and their unionized workers in the retail sector, with both sides facing pressure as they navigate complex labor issues and economic challenges. As the holiday season approaches, all eyes will be on whether a solution can be reached before it’s too late for everyone involved.