A note on the window of a Starbucks store in Alpharetta, Georgia informs customers the location is closed because employees are on strike on Nov. 13, 2025.
Starbucks employees picket outside a store in Alpharetta, Georgia on Nov. 13, 2025.
Starbucks employees picket outside a store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Nov. 13, 2025.

Starbucks workers across the country have been striking for the better part of Red Cup Day, demanding the company provide improved wages, benefits and more.

Starbucks Workers United planned strikes at various Starbucks locations in 41 cities starting on Thursday, Nov. 13, as the coffeehouse chain and union organizers struggle to reach a contractual agreement. The first day of the strike falls on Starbucks' popular Red Cup Day, when the retailer distributes free, reusable red cups to customers who order a drink.

Starbucks and Workers United began negotiations on a contract for unionized baristas in February 2024, but no agreement has been reached, with both sides pointing fingers at the other. The union is seeking better hours, higher take-home pay and a resolution to alleged unjust and unfair labor practices.

Starbucks Corp. spokesperson Jaci Anderson told USA TODAY on Nov. 12 that the company is ready to negotiate with the union.

“We are disappointed that Workers United, who only represents around 4% of our partners, has voted to authorize a strike instead of returning to the bargaining table," Anderson said. "When they’re ready to come back, we’re ready to talk."

Anderson added that if a store does close due to the strikes, "I can assure there will be stores nearby open and ready to serve customers."

Here's a look at some of the strikes held on Nov. 12.

See photos of Starbucks employees striking on Red Cup Day

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Photos show 'Red Cup Rebellion' strikes as Starbucks workers protest pay, hours

Reporting by Greta Cross, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect