Starbucks Workers are on a Nationwide Strike for a First Contract (with Starbucks Workers United member Sabina Aguirre)

As of Thursday morning, members of Starbucks Workers United were on strike in 65 stores across the U.S., a massive escalation in their fight for a first contract. They are asking customers not to buy coffee at any Starbucks location during their strike. Starbucks baristas have been in bargaining for over a year and half now, after striking regularly to get the company to the bargaining table in February 2024, as our editor Jenny Brown reported at the time. Baristas have said that they are subjected to low pay (starting at $15 to $19 an hour) that leaves them dependent on SNAP and Medicaid, and that they are dealing with dire understaffing that's led to overwork for them and long wait times for customers. Joining the pod this week are Jenny Brown, and Starbucks barista Sabina Aguirre, who works in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more about how members organized to get strike ready in Jenny’s recent piece, “Strike Captains and Practice Pickets: Starbucks Workers Aim to Bring a Contract Home.” Starbucks Workers United members are asking customers to show solidarity by:  Not crossing the picket line — don’t buy Starbucks from any of its locations during the strike. Joining a picket line near you by using the Starbucks Workers United picket line map.  Joining the allies call on Monday, November 17  Amplifying their posts on Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, and Bluesky.  Learn more at nocontractnocoffee.org.