BBC reports that Starbucks Workers United is planning to walk out of numerous stores on Thursday, one of Starbuck's busiest days of the year, 'Red Cup' day.
The union, Starbucks Workers United, is staging a walkout on Thursday, Nov. 16th because of issues with pay, scheduling, and numerous other problems. Among these issues is specifically inadequate staffing on high-business promotional days like Red Cup day. Barista Michelle Eisen noted that Starbucks could "do better by its workers", said Barista Michelle Eisen. For some US stores, the workers will be walking out for simply a few hours while others will be absent of workers for the entire day. The aim of Starbucks Workers United is to call attention to the fact that the Starbucks company is refusing to negotiate any labor deal with unionised stores.
Starbucks workers at almost 350 of the 10,000 US locations have joined the Starbucks Workers United union. The union has faced opposition and rough negotiation from Starbucks since its beginnings. Some members claim that the company has fired workers and shut down stores in an attempt to stifle their campaigning movement. However, "it remains ready to progress in-person negotiations with the unions certified to represent partners", said Starbucks in a statement. To raise pay and buy new equipment and training for its workers, the company has now spent millions.
Red Cup Day is a promotional event marking the start of holiday season according to the Starbucks website. Customers who purchase a part of holiday beverages will receive a reusable red holiday-themed cup which can be reused at any participating U.S. Starbucks store either ordered in person or through delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats.