Over 1,000 US Starbucks workers walk out, shutting stores nationwide

16-Nov-2025

.

More than 1,000 unionised baristas walked off the job on November 13, staging a strike at 65 stores across the US to protest what they describe as stalled labour talks and a lack of progress on a long-delayed contract.

The walkout was timed for maximum impact. Red Cup Day — when Starbucks hands out free reusable holiday cups — usually draws heavy crowds. Starbucks Workers United, the union organising baristas, said the strike had already forced some stores to close and warned more could follow if negotiations continue to drag, according to the Associated Press.

Stores in at least 45 cities were expected to be affected, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, Dallas, St. Louis, Columbus and Seattle, Starbucks’ hometown. The strike is open-ended, organisers said, with additional stores ready to join if the company doesn’t return to the bargaining table.