On December 4, 2025, Starbucks Workers United held a rally in New York City outside the Empire State Building as their open-ended strike entered its third week. This protest was part of a broader movement initiated by baristas on Starbucks Red Cup Day, aimed at pressing the company for new proposals to address key issues as they seek to finalize a contract.

The strike began on Starbucks Red Cup Day last month, a significant date for the company that typically sees high customer traffic. Baristas are demanding several crucial changes from Starbucks, including:

• Improved Hours: Workers are calling for more predictable and stable scheduling.

• Higher Wages: Employees are seeking better compensation for their labor.

• Resolution of Unfair Labor Practices: The union is pushing for the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that have been levied against Starbucks.

Negotiations between the union and the company have stalled since talks fell apart late last year, leading to heightened frustrations among employees.

Rally Highlights

During the rally, several hundred picketers gathered outside the Empire State Building, which is home to a three-floor Starbucks Reserve location and the company’s regional headquarters. The rally coincided with a busy holiday shopping period, drawing attention to the workers’ demands. Members of other unions, including the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), joined the baristas in solidarity, chanting slogans such as:

• “No coffee, no contract”

• “What’s disgusting? Union busting”

These chants highlighted the collective frustration and determination among the workers. SEIU President April Verrett addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the fight of Starbucks workers is part of a larger struggle for labor rights across the country, stating, "Their fight is a fight really for all of us, to workers across the country, to corporations like Starbucks, across the country that workers are fed up with the status quo, and they’re not going to take it anymore."

Twelve demonstrators were arrested during the rally for blocking the building’s entrance, underscoring the intensity of the protests.

Current Situation and Company Response

As the strike continues, Starbucks has reported that out of the 145 locations involved in the strike, 55 remain closed. Despite the disruptions caused by the strike, the company claims that its overall sales have not been significantly affected. CEO Brian Niccol noted that Red Cup Day was the strongest in the company’s history, indicating that customer demand remains high despite the labor action.

Starbucks has stated that 99% of its 17,000 U.S. locations are open and serving customers, including many that the union claimed would strike but either never closed or have since reopened. The company has expressed confidence that it does not anticipate any meaningful disruption and is prepared to negotiate when the union is ready to return to the bargaining table.

Additionally, the rally comes after Starbucks paid $38.9 million to settle violations of New York City’s Fair Workweek Law, which mandates predictable scheduling practices. The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that Starbucks had committed approximately half a million violations of this law since 2021. Other large restaurant employers, like Chipotle, have similarly faced challenges with compliance regarding the Fair Workweek Law, which Starbucks described as “notoriously challenging” to navigate.

Legal Context

The rally's timing coincides with Starbucks’ recent settlement for violations of New York City's Fair Workweek Law. This law requires employers to provide regular scheduling and mandates that schedules be provided at least 14 days in advance. The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that Starbucks had committed numerous violations since 2021.

DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga spoke at the rally, emphasizing that the record-breaking settlement and the ongoing strike are coincidental. She reiterated that while the NYC laws remain unchanged and complex, the city is committed to ensuring that workers receive fair treatment. Starbucks has acknowledged the complexities of the Fair Workweek Law, stating, "While the NYC laws remain unchanged and complex, our focus hasn’t shifted – we’re committed to creating the best job in retail and to ensuring our practices follow all laws."

Future Outlook

Both Starbucks and the union have expressed a willingness to negotiate, yet they continue to blame each other for the lack of progress in reaching a contract agreement. The two parties entered mediation in February, but hundreds of barista delegates voted down the economic package proposed by Starbucks in April.

In response to the ongoing labor unrest, Starbucks has announced a $500 million investment aimed at improving the employee experience as part of its "Back to Starbucks" strategy. This investment includes upgrading scheduling technology and adding more baristas to the workforce.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated, "As we’ve said, 99% of our 17,000 U.S. locations remain open and welcoming customers, including many the union publicly stated would strike but never closed or have since reopened. Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption. When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we’re ready to talk."

The rally outside the Empire State Building represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between Starbucks Workers United and the corporation. As the strike continues, the demands for better working conditions resonate not only within Starbucks but also across the broader labor landscape. The outcome of this labor dispute could have far-reaching implications for labor rights and corporate accountability in the retail sector. With both sides preparing for potential negotiations, the public and labor advocates are closely watching the developments in this significant labor movement.

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