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Standing With Starbucks Baristas: No Contract, No Coffee

By Heather Christianson posted 11-13-2025 04:36 PM

  

When workers stand together, we win together. And today, Starbucks baristas across the country—members of Starbucks Workers United—are officially on strike after the company’s continued refusal to bargain a fair first contract. Starbucks’ actions have forced workers into a Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, and baristas are responding with unity, courage, and an unshakeable commitment to justice on the job.

The strike began this morning at 65 unionized Starbucks stores nationwide, timed with the company’s high-traffic Red Cup Day. Workers chose this moment deliberately: they will not allow Starbucks to profit off understaffing, low wages, and anti-union behavior while refusing to negotiate in good faith.

For years, baristas have organized store by store, building a movement of more than 12,000 unionized workers—one of the most powerful organizing campaigns in a generation. They’ve shown courage. They’ve shown discipline. What they haven’t received is a fair contract.

Meanwhile, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol collected $96 million for 120 days of work in 2024—a staggering 6,666 times what the average barista earns, the widest CEO-to-worker pay gap in the nation. That contrast tells the story: workers create the company’s value while executives accumulate extraordinary wealth.


Why This Strike Matters

This is bigger than coffee. It’s about whether a global corporation can undermine workers’ rights and get away with it. Baristas are demanding:

  • fair wages,

  • adequate staffing,

  • safety and equity at work, and

  • a contract that recognizes their essential role in the company’s success.

Their fight is part of a broader national struggle for dignity and democracy in the workplace. At a time when corporate power is growing and economic inequality is widening, baristas are reminding the country that workers still have power—especially when we act together.

Starbucks Workers United has become one of the fastest-growing labor movements of the century, inspiring workers across industries and around the globe.


How You Can Show Up Today

👉 Take the “No Contract, No Coffee” pledge
Commit to honoring the picket line and supporting striking workers.
http://bit.ly/NoContractNoCoffee

👉 Share the digital toolkit
Graphics, sample posts, and resources to help spread the word:
https://bit.ly/SBWUallygraphics

👉 Save the Date: December 18 – Seattle Headquarters Action
If an agreement isn't reached, union allies will join baristas at Starbucks’ Seattle headquarters on December 18 for a major solidarity action.


Our Solidarity Is Our Strength

Baristas have already made significant progress—34 tentative agreements and closure on all non-economic issues. Their determination in the face of corporate resistance sends a powerful message: working people will not be silenced, intimidated, or pushed aside.

We should all stand with Starbucks baristas in this historic ULP strike. And support their courage, amplify their voices, and join the growing chorus calling for fairness, dignity, and a real contract.

No contract, no coffee.

Together, our solidarity strengthens this movement—and strengthens every worker fighting for a better future.

a coffee cup being spilled with the titel No Contract? No Coffee. and a call to support Starbucks workers.

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Comments

12-04-2025 09:44 PM

As someone who is a part of this campaign as well as a proud PSE member I appreciate you making this post and spreading resources! 
No contract, no coffee! 

11-14-2025 08:56 AM

Thank you for sharing this. I stand in full solidarity with Starbucks baristas as they take this brave step. Workers deserve fair wages, safe staffing, and a real contract, and it is powerful to see so many standing together for justice on the job.

No contract, no coffee.