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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Business
Michael Sainato

‘Whatever it takes’: Starbucks workers launch US strike and call for boycott

Workers picket in front of a Starbucks outlet in New York City, on 1 October 2025.
Workers picket in front of a Starbucks outlet in New York City, on 1 October 2025. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters

More than a thousand Starbucks workers have commenced a strike in more than 40 cities across the US on Thursday amid stagnant negotiations with the world’s largest coffee chain over a first union contract.

On the company’s annual “red cup day”, hailing the start of the lucrative holiday season, Starbucks Workers United is launching an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, with rallies planned in locations including New York City; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; and Anaheim, California.

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