Austin Starbucks workers join thousands striking in 'Red Cup Rebellion' nationwide

Source: KXAN

by: Abigail Jones

Posted: Dec 11, 2025 / 02:49 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Last month, more than 1,000 union Starbucks baristas in 45 cities across the country initiated the “Red Cup Rebellion” unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. Now, nearly 4,000 baristas across 130 cities have joined the movement, including workers here in Austin.

The strike began on Nov. 13, the day of the annual Red Cup Day, when the company gives out free, reusable cups to customers who buy a holiday drink. It’s typically one of the company’s busiest days of the year, the Associated Press reported.

The open-ended strike has continued and grown each week since Red Cup Day, and it’s now the largest nationwide work stoppage in the company’s history, according to the Starbucks Workers Union.

According to the union, there are now 3,800 union baristas across 180+ stores in 130+ cities involved in the strike.



Read more: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-starbucks-workers-join-thousands-striking-in-red-cup-rebellion-nationwide/