Starbucks, union workers face off as old tensions over wages spill over

Al JazeeraCenterEN 8 min read 100% complete by Andy HirschfeldDecember 5, 2025 at 10:35 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Starbucks and its unionized workers are facing off in an ongoing labor dispute, marked by open-ended strikes that began in mid-November 2025. Hundreds of picketers, including some politicians, have taken to the streets across the United States, demanding that Starbucks negotiate a contract with the union for fair wages and improved working conditions. A recent demonstration in New York City saw protesters blocking the entrance to the Empire State Building, resulting in multiple arrests. Starbucks Workers United claims over 100 baristas participated, while Starbucks estimates a much lower number of actual employees present. The strikes are the latest development in a history of tension between the coffee chain and its workers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Elon Musk 40% United States ×360% Starbucks Workers United ×270% Starbucks ×980%

Keywords

starbucks 100% union workers 90% strike 90% wages 80% working conditions 70% contract negotiation 70% picketing 60% starbucks workers united 60% baristas 50% labor dispute 50%