Starbucks Red Cup Day, the highly anticipated annual event, is set to take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as coffee lovers eagerly await the start of the holiday season. On this special day, customers who order a holiday beverage will receive a free reusable red holiday cup, but only while supplies last.
However, Starbucks locations may face some disruptions on Red Cup Day, as the Starbucks Workers Union has called for a walkout, dubbing the event the “Red Cup Rebellion.” The union has expressed grievances with the company, demanding that Starbucks cease its illegal refusal to engage in negotiations with baristas on important issues such as staffing and scheduling. Additionally, the union is advocating for the company to turn off mobile ordering on future promotion days.
To get their hands on the coveted red cup, customers must order any holiday or fall beverage at any temperature – hot, iced, or blended. The available drinks include a range of seasonal favorites, including the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Chestnut Praline Latte.
In anticipation of the strike, some Starbucks employees have already started walking out and capturing their actions on social media platforms. These workers have also filed an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks, accusing the company of refusing to negotiate around promotion days, such as Red Cup Day. The union argues that these promotional events lead to a surge in orders, overwhelming the existing staffing levels.
In response to the strike, Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull urged the union, known as Workers United, to fulfill their obligations and prioritize negotiations for the benefit of the partners they represent. Trull emphasized Starbucks’ commitment to collaborating with all partners and expressed hope that the union’s priorities would shift to ensuring the success of its partners and advancing contract negotiations.
As Starbucks enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of Red Cup Day, the brewing tensions between the company and its employees provide a reminder that behind the annual festivity lies a struggle for workers’ rights and fair working conditions.
“Travel aficionado. Incurable bacon specialist. Tv evangelist. Wannabe internet enthusiast. Typical creator.”