Unionized Starbucks workers are walking off the job on Thursday after their labor group authorized a strike as they push to secure a first labor contract.

Starbucks Workers United is calling the strike the "red cup rebellion," since the strike coincides with the coffee chain's annual Red Cup Day promotion, when it gives away free reusable holiday cups at its retail locations. Starbucks Workers United, which represents more than 9,500 baristas across 550 Starbucks cafes, is asking for better pay, increased staffing and a resolution of labor disputes.

The strike will start with more than 65 stores in over 40 cities across the country, the union said, noting that the labor action has no prescribed end date. Workers United said it is prepared to escalate the strike if Starbucks does not

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