NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani calls for Starbucks boycott as union strikes

Core Points - New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is advocating for a boycott of Starbucks as union workers strike nationwide, highlighting his pro-union stance and political influence [1][2] - The strike coincides with "Red Cup Day," a significant sales event for Starbucks, with workers in over 25 cities participating [3][11] - Starbucks Workers United, representing around 9,000 baristas, accuses the company of refusing to negotiate fairly, while Starbucks claims to offer competitive wages and benefits [4][10] Company Actions - Starbucks reported that approximately 99.9% of its stores remained operational during the strike [3] - The company has faced accusations of anti-union tactics, including store closures and employee firings related to union activities, which it denies [10][14] - The current strike marks the fourth organized action by the union since 2023, indicating ongoing tensions in labor relations [5][12] Union Position - Workers United has filed over 1,000 charges against Starbucks for alleged unfair labor practices, reflecting deepening conflicts between the union and the company [7] - The union warns that strikes may escalate if negotiations do not progress, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a fair contract [4][10]