As of November 21, 2025, over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 95 stores in 65 U.S. cities are striking over stalled contract negotiations. The strike began last week on Starbucks' key sales event, Red Cup Day, demanding better pay, staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practice charges. Starbucks reports minimal disruption and record sales, while New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly supports the strike.