Over the last two weeks, we sent a strong message to Starbucks that our fight for a fair contract is only growing stronger. Union baristas nationwide took to the streets to show that we aren’t backing down and are ready to strike if the coffee giant continues to stonewall us.

Our demands echoed from Buffalo, NY to Oklahoma City, OK to Columbus, OH to Los Angeles, CA as we rallied and picketed at stores across 35 cities to protest Starbucks’ union busting, twisted priorities, and refusal to bargain with the more than 12,000 union baristas who fuel the multi-billion-dollar global brand.

And we weren’t alone. From coast to coast, allies and customers came out in droves to show that they have our backs. 

Baristas in New York City kicked off their picket with a rousing endorsement from Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, Assemblymember Claire Valdez and other allies said they’d be ready to join us on the picket line if Starbucks forced us to go on strike. 

“What these workers are asking for is the bare minimum,” Mamdani said. “They are asking for a salary they can actually live off of, they are asking for hours they can actually build their life around, they are asking for the violations of labor law to finally be resolved. And they deserve a city that has their back. And that is what New York City will be.”  

A few of our other favorite moments included: 

In Baltimore when ​​high school students walking home from City College picked up picket signs and joined the picket, chanting “No Contract, No Coffee!” alongside fired up workers as cars passing by honked their horns in support. 

When baristas in Indianapolis garnered a local customer in real time—they said that if union baristas went out on strike, “I might have to join the strike too and not go to any other Starbucks until they figure it out.”

While things continue to go Backwards at Starbucks under Brian Niccols’ leadership, our barista-led movement is going nowhere but forward as our union continues to grow stronger and stronger. We’ll keep organizing and doing whatever it takes – even if that means going on strike – to get the improved staffing and hours, higher take-home pay, and an end to union busting that we need to build a better Starbucks. 
To learn more about how to support our campaign, visit our Take Action page.