Starbucks workers across the United States expanded an ongoing strike on Black Friday, intensifying what has become the longest labor stoppage in the company’s history. According to the Starbucks Workers United union, the walkout has now grown to more than 120 stores in 85 cities, with workers demanding higher pay, better staffing levels, and action on alleged unfair labor practices.
The strike initially began on Red Cup Day, November 13, when Starbucks distributes its popular reusable holiday cups. The walkout first included 65 stores and more than 40 cities, but union leaders say frustrations over stalled contract talks have pushed more locations to join.
Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, has long been a strategic target for labor actions due to heavy consumer traffic. “It’s time for Brian Niccol and Starbucks executives to stop stalling and cut the excuses,” said Michelle Eisen, spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United.
Starbucks, which operates over 17,000 U.S. stores, downplayed the impact of the strike, saying 99% of locations remain open. “Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption,” a company spokesperson said, reiterating that Starbucks is prepared to return to negotiations.
Union leaders say mediation in February did little to break the deadlock, and talks collapsed in April when delegates rejected a company proposal offering guaranteed annual raises of at least 2%. Workers United, which represents over 11,000 baristas across roughly 550 stores, argues that wage increases must keep pace with inflation and that chronic understaffing continues to strain employees.
The Black Friday labor unrest wasn’t limited to Starbucks. Amazon warehouse workers in Germany also staged walkouts aimed at disrupting operations on the major shopping day, pushing for a collective bargaining agreement. Additional protests were planned outside Zara stores in Spain, marking broader European labor action during the holiday retail rush.
Starbucks Workers United has repeatedly organized strikes during the company’s high-traffic holiday season, including Red Cup Day events known as “Red Cup Rebellions” since 2022. Last December, hundreds of Starbucks workers participated in a five-day strike over wages, staffing, and scheduling.
With no progress in negotiations, union leaders say the current strike will continue indefinitely, marking a significant escalation in one of the most closely watched labor movements in retail.
Starbucks workers’ union escalates strike on Black Friday https://t.co/a1Te9m2MtN pic.twitter.com/9AS0yyhbA4
— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) November 28, 2025