Pro-union flyers appear in Starbucks headquarters as some corporate staff quietly support barista strikes

Source: Business Insider

Nov 16, 2025, 4:44 AM ET


Dozens of pro-union flyers have appeared around Starbucks headquarters since baristas at 65 stores launched a nationwide strike — and the company is on alert for more action. Employees say the flyers have appeared in hallways and bathroom stalls across the Seattle building this week, while some corporate workers whisper support for the baristas on strike.

The flyers first appeared just days before baristas launched a nationwide strike at dozens of stores in 40 cities to pressure the company to finalize their first union contract. The strike, which is the unionized baristas' fourth work stoppage in two years — and their third since Brian Niccol became CEO in September 2024 — began on Red Cup Day, an annual promotional event that offers customers a free reusable cup with their purchase and generates significant sales for the company.

"Baristas deserve better pay and staffing. SSC workers support a fair contract!" one of the flyers reads, referencing Starbucks Support Center employees, who work at the corporate headquarters office and are not unionized. It includes a logo for the Starbucks Workers United union and a link to a "solidarity pledge," which urges supporters not to patronize Starbucks while unionized baristas are on strike.

Two corporate employees told Business Insider that during a Tuesday meeting, a member of Starbucks' HR team instructed them to inform their team leaders if they observed other staff members taking pro-union actions at work — but not to intervene, because it could be considered "protected concerted activity." Protected concerted activities are legally protected for union and non-union employees and include discussions about wages, working conditions, and other employment-related matters.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/pro-labor-flyers-starbucks-corporate-headquarters-unionized-barista-strike-2025-11