Unionized Starbucks baristas are preparing to go on strike next week and disrupt one of the coffee chain’s busiest days — aiming to secure a contract after years of sporadic and unsuccessful talks.

Starbucks Workers United — representing employees at about 550 of the chain’s roughly 10,000 company-run U.S. stores — said members voted to give union leadership the ability to call for a work stoppage at any time if demands aren’t met. It’s now gearing up to launch strikes in more than 25 cities on November 13. That’s the company’s popular holiday-themed Red Cup Day, which has been a previous union target. The labor actions could expand if there isn’t progress toward finalizing a contract and resolving legal disputes, said the union, which accused Starbucks of refusing to fairly negotiate. ×

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