Thousands of Starbucks workers across the United States participated in a nationwide strike on Christmas Eve, culminating five days of protests against the coffee giant. The strike, termed the ‘Strike Before Christmas,’ saw over 5,000 Employees participating, aligning their actions with those at nearly 300 locations nationwide.
Led by Starbucks Workers United, the strikes began on December 22, targeting stores from Los Angeles to New York as baristas rallied for improved wages and working conditions. Union representatives claimed this coordinated effort was the largest of its kind against Starbucks to date, fueled by growing frustrations over labor practices they described as unfair.
"This is backtracking on months and months of progress and promises from the company to work toward an end-of-year framework ratification," said Michelle Eisen, a barista and bargaining delegate. Her sentiment echoed the disappointment felt among workers, with many expressing their anger over Starbucks’ handling of negotiations. After failing to reach agreements on key issues like pay increases and healthcare benefits, the union decided to strike, hoping to capture public attention during one of the busiest seasons for coffee consumption.
Reports of picket lines and chants of “no contract, no coffee” filled the streets as workers stood outside their stores, demanding solidarity. Gabriel Morgan, who works at the Anderson Township Starbucks, voiced his concern about working conditions, stating, "I watch these people work hard every single day, and they deserve prosperity, respect, and dignity— and the company doesn’t want to give us any of those things.”
The union's demand to raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour is indicative of broader issues faced by low-wage workers across various industries. Baristas cited financial strains exacerbated by rising costs of living, with many struggling to make ends meet on wages averaging $15.49 per hour.
According to reports, Jensen Williams, who worked at the Mass Ave Starbucks, illustrated how deceptive the image of the company can be. "The concept of Starbucks is very deceiving to the customer, and once you work here, you see how messed up it actually is," he shared, highlighting the disconnect between the brand’s polished public image and the reality experienced by staff.
Starbucks has maintained its position, stating its commitment to its partners and highlighting the competitive wages they offer. Sara Kelley, Starbucks' executive vice president, responded to the strike, asserting, "Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable.”
Starbucks pointed to its perks, including free college tuition and paid family leave, to argue against the union’s claims and insisted they were willing to come back to the bargaining table. Yet, union organizers argue these benefits mean little without first providing workers with livable wages.
Picketing Starbucks locations across the U.S. became commonplace during the strike, proving most impactful just before Christmas—typically one of the busiest times for the company. Unionized baristas aimed to show the consumer base the stakes involved, forcefully reminding customers who brews their coffee.
The organization has seen increasing support since the pandemic, with pushes for unionization gaining momentum since Starbucks' first union election at the Buffalo store two years ago. The recent wave of interest from employees across the company—from major cities to small towns—illustrates the demand for change within the industry. According to reports, workers across more than 32 states joined the strike, with some stores temporarily closing to support the cause.
Despite the significant disruptions, Starbucks spokesperson Phil Gee confirmed most stores remained operational, citing only 2% of stores were affected by the strike—indicating the challenge of impacting such a widespread chain. “We anticipate minimal impact,” he stated, downplaying the effects of the labor movement.
Union members have pledged to strike until their demands are met, refusing to back down. Lauren Hollingsworth, another barista, drew attention to the disparity between worker and executive pay: "I am paid $15.49 an hour as a barista, [while] Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's compensation package has been valued at more than $50,000 an hour when you break it down." For many baristas, this divide serves as the primary motivator for their rallying cry for change.
While baristas plan to return to work after the holiday, the repercussions of the strike remain fresh as members of Starbucks Workers United strategize their next steps. The voice of protesting baristas highlighted not just their individual struggles but raised awareness of labor conditions across the food service industry, indicating the momentum building around labor rights and workers’ demands nationwide.
“Any worker deserves to have a living wage and have benefits and be able to afford health care and afford to live a full life,” stated Senua O'Connor, signaling the resolve of those fighting for their rights. With strides toward reform being made, the potential for future negotiations lurks as union members prepare for what may be a prolonged battle for the future of their industry.
