Workers United has recently made headlines due to a social media post supporting Palestine during the Israel-Hamas conflict, sparking backlash and damaging Starbucks' reputation. This led to boycotts, protests, and vandalism against the coffee chain. In response, thousands of unionized Starbucks workers are planning a walkout on Red Cup Day to demand contract negotiations and address staffing and scheduling issues. Additionally, Starbucks has filed a lawsuit against Workers United for trademark infringement, insisting that the union cease using the name 'Starbucks Workers United' and a similar logo.
Workers United is a union representing around 85,000 workers in the textile, commercial laundry, pharmaceutical, and gaming industries in the United States and Canada. The union traces its origins back to 1900 with the establishment of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Workers United advocates for fair working conditions, wages, and benefits for its members, and has been actively involved in various labor disputes and negotiations to protect workers' rights.