Starbucks workers union escalates strike on Black Friday

The Starbucks workers union said Friday it will escalate an indefinite strike to more than 120 stores and 85 cities to demand higher wages and staffing levels at the coffee chain.

The strike, which is set to be the longest strike in Starbucks history, It started on Red Cup Day On November 13 with 65 stores and more than 40 cities.

The strike comes on Black Friday, the busiest time of year for retailers when shoppers are looking for deals on everything from food and groceries to clothing and appliances.

A long-term strike would likely impact public relations in the medium-term, but “in light of market volatility caused by tariffs and other factors, Starbucks may want to make this a short-term affair,” said Michael Duff, a professor at Saint Louis University School of Law.

Starbucks, which has more than 17,000 cafes in the United States, said that 99% of its locations in the country remain open.

“Regardless of union plans, we do not anticipate any significant disruption,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.

Striking baristas are demanding higher wages, better hours, and the resolution of hundreds of union-busting unfair labor practice charges.

Contract talks remain stalled despite mediation efforts in February, with both sides exchanging blame after delegates rejected a proposed Starbucks package in April that guaranteed annual increases of at least 2%.

“The law allows management to appoint replacements in these types of strikes, so workers don’t have a lot of leverage,” said Harry Katz, a professor at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Workers United said it represents more than 11,000 baristas and about 550 Starbucks stores.

Starbucks Workers United has repeatedly targeted the company’s busy holiday season and Red Cup Day, when Starbucks distributes holiday-themed reusable red cups to customers for free with the purchase of coffee.