Starbucks Workers Ready to Strike in 25 US cities on Red Cup Day on November 13

Unionized Starbucks baristas are preparing to go on strike next week and disrupt one of the coffee chain’s busiest days — aiming to secure a contract after years of sporadic and unsuccessful talks.

Starbucks Workers United — representing employees at about 550 of the chain’s roughly 10,000 company-run US stores — said members voted to give union leadership the ability to call for a work stoppage at any time if demands aren’t met. It’s now gearing up to launch strikes in more than 25 cities on November 13. That’s the company’s popular holiday-themed Red Cup Day, which has been a previous union target. The labor actions could expand if there isn’t progress toward finalizing a contract and resolving legal disputes, said the union, which accused Starbucks of refusing to fairly negotiate.