Starbucks union says strike is longest in company history

Around 2,500 baristas from more than 120 stores in 85 cities are part of the strike, Workers United said Friday.

"Union baristas from the three Seattle area stores that have been out on strike remain out," a Workers United spokesperson said Monday.

Picket lines are set to take place at the University District location on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Seattle-based coffee giant said Monday that it's not seeing much of an impact from the strikes.

"As we’ve said, 99% of our 17,000 U.S. locations remain open and welcoming customers — including many the union publicly stated would strike but never closed or have since reopened," said Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson in a statement. "Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption."

The company did not confirm whether this strike is the longest in its history.

Starbucks told The Seattle Times that the protest is losing momentum, and employees are returning to work. It added that the union is amplifying exaggerated numbers, and only 55 stores are affected by the strikes.

The company said over 55% of the coffeehouses originally shuttered by the strikes have since reopened.

According to the union, strikes have expanded since they first began on Red Cup Day, a major holiday promotional event. Workers United projected that more than 1,000 baristas across over 65 stores in around 40 cities initially participated.

Baristas are pushing the company for increased hours, higher take-home pay and resolution of labor law violations, the union said. Its first collective bargaining agreement has yet to be finalized.

Elected officials, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, have voiced their support of the union's efforts.

Starbucks and the union have had a contentious relationship over the past four years, with Workers United filing over 1,000 unfair labor practice charges.

On Monday, New York City officials directed the company to shell out around $35 million to local workers, settling alleged labor law violations. In a Monday news release, Starbucks commented on the New York City incidents, which breached a local law.

"We support the intent of the law and remain committed to compliance, but its complexity creates real-world challenges," the company wrote. "Here’s the reality: Even minor schedule changes can trigger a violation under the law."

It acknowledged that the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection noted violations between July 2021 and June 2024 "despite our best efforts and well-intentioned coffeehouse partners," and the company will move forward with a settlement.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, who took over in September 2024, has not yet publicly acknowledged the ongoing strike. Last month, he emphasized "a record-setting start to the holidays" in a letter to employees.

Instead, the corporate leader's attention has centered on his $1 billion restructuring plan announced in September, which included layoffs and store closures.

"It’s time for Brian Niccol and Starbucks executives to stop stalling and cut the excuses," said Michelle Eisen, Workers United spokesperson, in a Friday statement. "We need real solutions that address our basic demands and the hundreds of labor law violations that remain outstanding. The ball is in their court."

Starbucks underlined Monday that it's prepared to negotiate.

"When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we’re ready to talk," Anderson said.