KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Starbucks union workers called for a strike on Red Cup Day this Thursday.
- Red Cup Day is one of the coffee chain’s biggest promotional events of the season.
- Starbucks reportedly claimed that the union had not met to negotiate for more than four months.
Starbucks (SBUX) union workers are calling for a strike at Starbucks stores on “Red Cup Day” this Thursday, one of the chain’s biggest promotional events of the season.
Workers said the annual event, in which Starbucks gives out free Christmas-themed reusable cups with the purchase of coffee, can be one of the toughest days of the year for staff with an increase in order volume.
Inconsistent staffing levels and schedules represent two of the top worker complaints. Other core demands include better wages and benefits, a safe and respectful work environment, and the right to organize.
Starbucks reportedly said it is aware that union members are planning a strike and stated that the union has not agreed to meet to negotiate in more than four months.
Unionized Starbucks workers also went on strike during last year’s Red Cup Day, and this year, the union is asking customers and allies to walk out in solidarity. More than 360 Starbucks stores are unionized, with more than 9,000 union members, according to the union website.
