Core Points - The Starbucks union has expanded its strike to over 30 locations across the U.S., with participation from at least 1,000 workers [1][6][8] - The strike coincided with Starbucks' "Red Cup Day," a significant promotional event for the company [6][14] - Union members are demanding better pay, improved working hours, and resolution of legal issues related to contract negotiations [8][9] Expansion of Strike - The strike has spread to stores in approximately 25 cities, including Cleveland, Memphis, and Springfield, Missouri [6][8] - The New Scotland Avenue location in Albany, NY, is the first in the Upstate Capitol region to join the strike [5] Union's Position - The union has accused Starbucks management of slow-walking contract negotiations and has called for new proposals to address their demands [8][9] - Starbucks claims that the strike has caused minimal disruption to its operations and expresses readiness to negotiate when the union is prepared [9][11] Background on Unionization - Starbucks Workers United was founded in August 2021 and has grown to represent over 14,000 workers across more than 640 locations in 45 states [10] - Currently, about 5% of Starbucks' approximately 10,000 company-owned stores in the U.S. are unionized [11]

Group 1 - The Starbucks Workers United (SWU) strike over unfair labor practices has expanded to 95 stores across 65 cities, with protests now occurring at 30 stores in 25 new cities, including disruptions at the largest East Coast distribution facility in York, PA [1] - More than 1,000 Starbucks workers are participating in the strike, which began on November 13, coinciding with the company's "Red Cup Day" promotion [2] - Despite the strike, Starbucks reported that this year's "Red Cup Day" was its biggest sales day ever in North America, with foot traffic increasing by 45% compared to the daily average and 3% higher than the previous year [3] Group 2 - The SWU has been negotiating for over 18 months for a contract covering 9,500 unionized baristas in 550 stores, demanding better hours and higher pay, with starting pay at $15.25 per hour [5] - The union is also seeking resolution for approximately 650 outstanding unfair labor practice charges, including over 100 filed since January 2025, related to bad faith bargaining and retaliatory actions [5] - In response to the strike, 29 stores have reopened, and many workers who initially participated have returned to work, while 2,000 union baristas remain on strike [4]