Starbucks union holding picket Saturday in Seattle as ‘Red Cup Rebellion’ continues

Starbucks employees on strike will hold a picket Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. after holding two earlier pickets this week.

The picket will take place in front of the Starbucks at 4147 University Way N.E. — the same location where the earlier pickets was held.

With approximately 2,000 union Starbucks baristas participating in the unfair labor practice strike at 65 stores across more than 40 cities nationwide, Starbucks Workers United, the union representing the baristas and other employees, said this could be the “largest and longest strike” in the company’s history.

“If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, they’ll see their business grind to a halt,” Michelle Eisen, a Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and a 15-year barista. “No contract, no coffee is more than a tagline — it’s a pledge to interrupt Starbucks’ operations and profits until a fair union contract and an end to unfair labor practices are won. Starbucks knows where we stand. We’ve been clear and consistent on what baristas need to succeed: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Bring us new proposals that address these issues so we can finalize a contract. Until then, you’ll see us and our allies on the picket line.”

Ninety-two percent of unionized Starbucks baristas voted in favor of striking.

Saturday’s picket the latest in a multi-year battle between Starbucks, union

Starbucks Workers United is fighting for better hours to improve staffing in stores, higher take-home pay, and resolutions to hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges stemming from union-busting. Starbucks’ latest offer was a 1.5% raise.

“The coffee giant has committed more labor law violations than any employer in modern history,” Starbucks Workers United stated. “Starbucks needs to fully resolve legal issues impacting baristas.”

Starbucks has denied these allegations, and has previously stated it is willing to talk with union representatives.

“We are disappointed that Workers United, which only represents around 4% of our partners, has voted to authorize a strike instead of returning to the bargaining table. When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk,” Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks spokesperson, told MyNorthwest. “Any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 an hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners. The facts show people like working at Starbucks. Partner engagement is up, turnover is nearly half the industry average, and we get more than 1 million job applications a year. Our customers can be assured that our partners will be ready to serve them at the vast majority of our more than 10,000 company-operated coffeehouses and nearly 7,000 licensed locations throughout the holiday season, regardless of the union’s plans.”

Additionally, Starbucks claimed it experienced minimal disruption overall and had an “incredibly successful” Red Cup Day. The protest was strategically timed to turn “Red Cup Season” into “Red Cup Rebellion.”

The two parties haven’t negotiated together since April.

Interbay Starbucks location closes

A Starbucks located on Elliott Avenue in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood has been shuttered as most of the unionized store’s employees rally during a nationwide strike.

“We’re prepared to be out here for weeks or more,” Brenna Nendel, a supervisor at the Elliot Avenue location, told KOMO News. “It’s indefinite. It’s up to the company [Starbucks].”

In Seattle, three different rallies took place last week. One happened from 4 to 5 p.m. in front of the former roastery at 1124 Pike Street, while the two other rallies occurred from 9-11 a.m. in front of Starbucks locations at 4147 University Way N.E. and 1144 Elliott Avenue W., the location most recently shuttered.

Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson joined the picket shortly after Bruce Harrell conceded the mayoral race last Thursday.

According to Starbucks, the company has reported its sales have declined for six straight financial quarters.

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