Starbucks baristas strike, affecting stores in at least 25 cities [View all]

Source: The American Bazaar

By Nileena Sunil November 12, 2025

Starbucks is facing a major strike with unionized baristas calling for better pay and increased staffing. Customers might face picket lines on Thursday with the strike expecting to affect stores in at least 25 cities. This is the third strike to hit the company since the union Starbucks Workers United launched four years ago.

“Every single day at this company, as of recently, has been very, very difficult to be a barista,” said Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union, which says it represents workers at more than 600 stores in the U.S. “You should not be evolving to the point of running your workers to the ground,” said Eisen, who worked as a barista for 15 years before leaving Starbucks this May.

Starbucks says it does not expect the strike to disrupt operations at the vast majority of its more than 10,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. The strike coincides with Starbucks’ red cup day, a major holiday sales event, bringing in increased scrutiny.

In recent years, the company has faced consumer boycotts, as well as new competitors and backlash over high prices. Starbucks also recently announced restructuring efforts, cutting 900 jobs.

Read more: https://americanbazaaronline.com/2025/11/12/starbucks-baristas-strike-affecting-stores-in-at-least-25-cities-469924/