Thousands of Starbucks baristas across the nation celebrated Christmas Eve not with holiday cheer but with unified voices calling for change, taking part in one of the largest work stoppages seen this season. The workers, represented by the union Starbucks Workers United, walked off the job at over 300 stores, mobilizing from Maryland to California, as part of a nationwide effort to push Starbucks to meet their demands for fair wages and improved labor conditions.
The strike, which began on December 21 and peaked on Christmas Eve, was described by Lauren Hollingsworth, a barista from Ashland, Oregon, as “an initial show of strength,” indicating the urgency and determination of the union's fight for workers' rights. Hollingsworth voiced the sentiments echoed by many labor activists, stating, “We're just getting started.”
Santa didn’t make it to local Starbucks this holiday season; instead, many workers found themselves on picket lines, bringing the holiday hustle to a standstill. Among those participating were Starbucks employees from areas like Oklahoma City, where baristas demonstrated outside three local stores, including prominent locations on 36th and May and 23rd and Robinson.
Collin Pollitt, a union organizer and barista at the 23rd and Robinson store, highlighted the frustrations brewing among staff, stating, “The company has yet to resolve hundreds of labor law violations.” Workers were clear: they sought more than just slogans; they demanded tangible change, including fair pay and safe working conditions. Pollitt fired up his fellow employees, declaring, “No workers, no Starbucks,” emphasizing the power they wield as unionized workers. He pointed out the stark discrepancy between his hourly pay and Starbucks’ CEO, whose reported compensation of $50,000 per hour is juxtaposed against the meager wage hikes offered to loyal baristas.
Strikes were not limited to Oklahoma City. Across the country, baristas demonstrated solidarity. Dillon Dix from Starbucks Workers United explained the discontent stemming from what many workers deemed surface bargaining, where serious proposals have yet to materialize. “Starbucks came to the table with a bad offer this week,” Dix noted, reinforcing the workers' call for respect and recognition of their labor. Reports indicated over 300 stores took part, showcasing significant participation across major metropolitan areas.
Maryland, Montana, California—you name it, baristas were uniting to advocate for their rights. Some 5,000 employees participated nationwide, reflecting the movement's rapid growth since its inception. According to the union, this strike was not just about wages, but it also underscored larger issues like staffing and the need for reasonable working hours. “We want equal staffing for our stores and respect from management, which we have not gotten,” Dix demanded passionately.
Despite management's attempts to downplay the impact of the strikes, claiming most locations remained operational, the visible protests undeniably shook the corporate facade of normalcy. Starbucks spokesperson Jay Go Guasch conveyed the company’s official stance noting, “Only around 170 Starbucks stores did not open as planned.” Such figures, nonetheless, demonstrated enough disruption to signal serious unrest among employees.
Union leaders expressed disappointment with Starbucks’ seeming disregard for negotiated agreements. Lynne Fox, the President of Workers United, stated, “We were ready to bring the foundational framework home this year, but Starbucks wasn't.” This sentiment echoed throughout numerous strikes across the country, emphasizing the frustration among workers as they regrettably found themselves picketing during the festive season, yearning for fairness.
The holiday strike adds to the long history of labor disputes at Starbucks. Workers began unionizing three years ago, with significant victories, including over 535 stores organizing under Workers United. They increasingly file numerous NLRB charges alleging illegal anti-union practices. Pollitt’s remarks resonate with the collective sentiment: “This is just the beginning.” With eyes set on the future, Starbucks workers are prepared to keep fighting for their rights—their resolve does not waver even against the backdrop of holiday festivities.
The “Strike Before Christmas” initiative builds upon the foundational work laid by workers rallying for improved wages and labor conditions since the movement began. Amid glaring disparities like CEO Brian Niccol’s reported $113 million compensation, employees continue their unwavering march toward equality.
On this Christmas Eve, as baristas rallied, they not only voiced their demands but demonstrated their determination to secure safer, fairer work environments. The visible demonstrations on the streets highlighted the burgeoning power of organized labor within one of America’s most recognizable brands, making it clear: the workers are here, and they are not going unnoticed.
